Central New York Community Foundation NEWShttps://cnycf.wordpress.com
A News Blog of the Central New York Community FoundationWed, 25 Mar 2015 15:42:44 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngCentral New York Community Foundation NEWShttps://cnycf.wordpress.com
Learn How You Can Help Change the Face of Central New Yorkhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/learn-how-you-can-help-change-the-face-of-central-new-york/
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In 2010, the Central New York Community Foundation commissioned a study on the impact that imminent estate transfers will have on the region. Over the next few years, local individuals and families will leave an unprecedented $22 billion to their relatives after they pass away. How much of this enormous generational transfer of wealth will stay in this community?

Now, imagine what would happen if a mere 5% of this – about $1 billion – were retained in permanent charitable endowment funds benefitting this region. That would mean more than $50 million in annual support would be available for the benefit of the Central New York charities. While 5% does not sound like a lot, it could actually transform our community.

Take a few minutes to consider this: Central New York is the home of your heritage, your livelihood and your roots. Setting aside at least 5% of your estate for the community could go a long way in enriching its future. Consider the place that the community can have in your future plans. Those interested can learn more at 5forcny.org.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/learn-how-you-can-help-change-the-face-of-central-new-york/feed/0TransferOfWealthFeaturecnycommunityfoundation$77,000 in Grants Awarded to Provide Health Support Serviceshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/77000-in-grants-awarded-to-provide-health-support-services/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/77000-in-grants-awarded-to-provide-health-support-services/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 13:10:30 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1607]]>March 24, 2015 – The Central New York Community Foundation awarded $77,000 in grants to two local nonprofit organizations. Both grants will support services that address a specific health-related need.

Clear Path for Veterans received $30,000 to establish the Home for the Brave program, which will pair dogs with veterans as they undergo the initial training to become service dogs.

Home for the Brave will serve as an extension of Clear Path’s Dogs2Vets program, which aims to maximize overall wellness and provide emotional support for those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST) by pairing them with dogs.

The grant will help Clear Path purchase fencing and supplies for a Home for the Brave house and recruit Assistant Trainers from the Dogs2Vets participants.

“The Dogs2Vets program generally uses dogs found in local shelters, many of whom have been neglected,” said Clear Path Co-Founder Melissa Spicer. “Prior to being matched with a vet, these dogs will now live in Home for the Brave as they undergo training to become service dogs.”

This grant was made possible with support from the Community Foundation’s Spanfelner Fund which was created in 1999 with a bequest from John and Anne Spanfelner to support, in part, organizations that care for and train dogs that help humans.

Syracuse Community Health Center received $47,000 to support the establishment of the Adult Obesity Prevention and Reduction Initiative focusing on education, nutrition and physical activity.

The program will provide education and support for obesity prevention and treatment in adults in addition to incorporating prevention of obesity related co-morbidities including hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease.

“High obesity rates, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity are linked to many disparities, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart disease,” said Leola Rodgers, Syracuse Community Health Center President & CEO. “Our Adult Obesity Prevention Program will target overweight and obese adults age twenty-one and older to impart strategies for adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “

The CNYCF grant will help cover the cost of hiring a Certified Diabetes Educator who will manage the program.

This grant was made possible, in part, with support from the Community Foundation’s Syracuse Dispensary Fund, which was created in 1988 with a bequest from the Syracuse Free Dispensary to provide grants for general health purposes. The grant was additionally supported by funds from the A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital Health fund, a fund established in 2009 upon the closing of the A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital to support health care access and quality in Central New York.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/77000-in-grants-awarded-to-provide-health-support-services/feed/0March 2015 Community GrantsjmaloffcnycfA.L. Lee Memorial Hospital Health Fund to be Administered by Oswego County Community Foundationhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/a-l-lee-memorial-hospital-health-fund-to-be-administered-by-oswego-county-community-foundation/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/a-l-lee-memorial-hospital-health-fund-to-be-administered-by-oswego-county-community-foundation/#commentsThu, 19 Mar 2015 18:39:04 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1601]]>March 19, 2015- The Oswego County Community Foundation (Oswego Foundation) has had an exciting few months, having reached its $500,000 fundraising goal in only two years of operation. It is now beginning to map out its grantmaking strategy for the coming year, including the distribution of grants from the A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital Health Fund.

This field-of-interest fund, administered by the Central New York Community Foundation, was established in 2009 upon the closing of A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital. After 100 years of serving the Oswego County community, hospital administrators sought out a partnership with the Community Foundation to carry on the charitable intent of those who left bequests to support the charitable needs of the hospital. The establishment of the Oswego Foundation provided a vehicle for local ownership of the grantmaking decisions for grants from the Lee Memorial fund. Grants will support Oswego County organizations that promote healthcare access and quality and will be selected by the Oswego Foundation’s leadership council.

“We are very pleased that the Central New York Community Foundation has confidence in our ability to steward these assets on behalf of the residents of Oswego County,” said Oswego Foundation’s Vice Chair Randy Zeigler. “These assets will add to our impact and allow the foundation to target specific health related grants.”

The Oswego County Community Foundation, a geographically specific endowment, provides a source of permanent charitable dollars for nonprofits serving residents of Oswego County. With the initial fundraising goal of $500,000 now met, the Foundation will award grants to local nonprofit organizations with programs ranging broadly from arts and culture, environment and animal welfare, education, human services, health and civic affairs.

“With the emergence of the Oswego County Community Foundation and its recent success in completing its initial endowment match campaign, we think it is entirely appropriate that charitable grants from these funds now be overseen by the Oswego Foundation Leadership Council,” said Community Foundation President & CEO, Peter Dunn.

To learn more about the Oswego County Community Foundation, including how to make a contribution, visit www.OswegoCountyCF.org. The Oswego County Community Foundation is a component of the Central New York Community Foundation, www.cnycf.org.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/a-l-lee-memorial-hospital-health-fund-to-be-administered-by-oswego-county-community-foundation/feed/0Blog- Feature- OCCF LOGOjmaloffcnycfCommunity Foundation Offering Scholarship for Graduating Seniorshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/community-foundation-offering-scholarship-for-graduating-seniors-4/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/community-foundation-offering-scholarship-for-graduating-seniors-4/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 14:34:55 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1593]]>March 16, 2015 (Syracuse, NY) – The Central New York Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2015 Frederick K. Kilian Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will award $2,725 each to one graduating male and female this year. Scholarships may be renewed annually for up to 4 years (or 5 years for engineering only), subject to the recipient’s continued full-time matriculation in his/her program of study and maintenance of a 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher.

Eligible recipients must be graduating from an Onondaga County high school and have already been accepted into an accredited institution of higher education pursuing a Bachelor’s program in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, science or education. Two (2) scholarships are awarded annually to one male and one female high school senior from Onondaga County on the basis of academic performance, commitment to the chosen field of study and meaningful volunteer service in the community. Previous scholarship recipients have pursued degrees ranging from Engineering to Biology.

The application deadline is May 1, 2015. To download an application form, visit the Community Foundation’s website at www.cnycf.org/kilian. Please contact Kathie Deaver at the Central New York Community Foundation at 883-5535 for more information.

The Frederick K. Kilian Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 in honor of the late Frederick K. Kilian, founder of Kilian Manufacturing Corp. in Syracuse.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/community-foundation-offering-scholarship-for-graduating-seniors-4/feed/0facebook-picture-2015-e1426602526173jmaloffcnycfLiteracy Champions Excite Children About Readinghttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/08/literacy-champion-grants-excite-children-about-reading/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/08/literacy-champion-grants-excite-children-about-reading/#commentsSun, 08 Mar 2015 17:32:18 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1586]]>About 75 children from PEACE, Inc.’s Head Start program gathered at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on March 2nd to celebrate Read Across America Day, set on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County and the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo hosted this Dr. Seuss-themed event to announce the ten recipients of more than $62,178 in Literacy Champion grants.

The Literacy Coalition awards annual Literacy Champion grants to organizations that target the goals of the Coalition: to engage children and parents in reading and learning to increase literacy in the region. The Literacy Coalition is a group of more than 50 community organizations that are working together to improve the County’s literacy rate. The Central New York Community Foundation is a co-founder, managing partner and financial supporter of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County.

This year, the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Tadpole Academy program and MANOS Intergenerational Learning circles received $10,000 each. Seven other organizations received grants to conduct programs that enhance the Imagination Library program, which distributes one book per month to over 2,000 City of Syracuse children under the age of five. These enhancement programs range from targeting literacy of immigration communities, to dramatic readings conducted by the Redhouse Arts Center. The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo also received a grant to study best practices for engaging families in reading.

These grants have become a cornerstone of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County and its participation in the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a national effort designed to help children from low-income families to read proficiently by the end of third grade. The Literacy Coalition has adopted the Campaign’s goals of addressing school readiness, chronic absences, and summer learning loss.

Third grade is a critical year for students. Studies have shown that they transition at this point from learning to read to reading to learn.

“If they’re behind in literacy, they’ll stay behind,” said Ginny Carmody, Executive Director of the Literacy Coalition. “If students haven’t become literate by this point, they are more likely to drop out of school and fall into a cycle of academic and economic failure.”

As this video from the Campaign of Grade Level Reading shows, students from low-income neighborhoods are already at a disadvantaged position for reaching this third grade goal. Low-income kids are already 12-14 months behind in their education by the time they reach kindergarten. By their third birthday, children from low-income households have been exposed to 30,000,000 fewer words than those from middle- or high-income households. These disadvantaged students are also apt to lose 2 months of school learning every summer due to limited access to summer programs.

By targeting school readiness, chronic absences, and summer learning loss, the Literacy Coalition is combating the bad influences that prey on low income students.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/08/literacy-champion-grants-excite-children-about-reading/feed/0Literacy Champion Grants help Pre-K ChildrencnycommunityfoundationOswego County Community Foundation Reaches $500,000 Fundraising Goalhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/oswego-county-community-foundation-reaches-500000-fundraising-goal/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/oswego-county-community-foundation-reaches-500000-fundraising-goal/#commentsTue, 03 Mar 2015 14:00:53 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1583]]>The Oswego County Community Foundation (Oswego Foundation) recently achieved its $500,000 fundraising goal with the help of a $14,000 gift from Oswego native Eleanor Filburn and a $122,000 contribution from NBT Bank’s charitable foundation. These gifts helped the Oswego Foundation secure a $200,000 matching grant jointly issued last year by the Central New York Community Foundation and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.

Since the Oswego Foundation’s inception in September 2013, the fund has raised a total of $367,050. The locally-led Leadership Council has been actively fundraising since the fund’s establishment, securing approximately 5% of the endowment campaign goal before either matching challenge grant had been secured.

“Our entire leadership team is thrilled to have met our initial goal in only two years,” said Oswego Foundation’s Vice Chair, Randy Zeigler. “Many community institutions like NBT Bank and individuals have expressed their interest in the development of this new community foundation by making current gifts and multi-year pledges to the foundation, for which we are extremely grateful.”

As a community bank, NBT Bank has been committed to supporting the communities it does business in and chose to dissolve its private foundation and move its assets into a field-of-interest fund at the Community Foundation. The fund is designated to support charitable needs in Oswego County.

“We are proud to provide these funds to the Oswego County Community Foundation to support its efforts to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the region,” said Barbara Bateman, Vice President of NBT Bank. “These funds were raised locally, and we thought it was important to ensure they remained available to benefit the many nonprofit agencies who serve the needs of Oswego County residents.”

With its initial fundraising goal met, the Oswego Foundation will soon begin awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations for addressing a broad range of issues including arts and culture, environment and animal welfare, education, human services, and health and civic affairs.

“Although we have already reached our initial goal we will continue to build our endowment and look forward to the opportunity to fund important projects within our county later this year,” said Zeigler.

To learn more about the Oswego County Community Foundation, including how to make a contribution, visit www.OswegoCountyCF.org.The Oswego County Community Foundation is a component of the Central New York Community Foundation, www.cnycf.org.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

The application deadline is March 31, 2015. Requests may range from $500 – $5,000. Grants must directly benefit the residents of Cayuga County. Visit www.cnycf.org/cayuga to learn more about the Cayuga Fund application and guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Lane at 315-883-5546 or JLane@cnycf.org.

The Cayuga Community Fund is a geographically specific fund administered by the Central New York Community Foundation. Created in 2008, the Cayuga Community Fund benefits residents of Cayuga County by serving as a source of permanent charitable dollars available to not-for-profits serving that county. Thousands of dollars are expected to be granted from this endowment fund annually to aid vital programs in education, health and wellness, nutrition, social services, the arts, civic and environmental concerns, as well as the preservation of historic resources in Cayuga County.

As of March 31, 2014, the Cayuga Community Fund had granted more than $140,000 to nonprofit groups. Funding for these grants is made possible with support from the Cayuga Community Fund, the Cayuga Health Association Fund and the Dr. Henry Romano Fund for Children.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

Bethel Community Center received $3,500 to support the installation of a two tiered deck at the center’s entrance. The project will provide members of the organization and community with a safe entrance and exit from the center.

Monday Historical Club received $4,000 to refurbish the early pioneers and founders monument in South Park. The restoration will help prolong the life of the monument which has been an integral part of the South Park landscape for 105 years.

Pulaski Area Little League received $2,500 to make restrooms at the Otis Field facility handicapped accessible. The restrooms have not been remodeled since the building was built around 1980.

United Friends of Homeless Animals received $6,440 to develop a spay/neuter program for the village of Pulaski and town of Richland. The program will help with limiting the amount of feral cats breeding and spreading disease.

About the Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund is a union of gifts contributed by the people of the Pulaski community that makes grants to support programs and projects of importance to the area. The Pulaski Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation. Since its inception in 1992, the Fund has provided more than $245,000 in grants to benefit the Pulaski community. People can learn more about the fund and contribute at http://www.cnycf.org/Pulaski.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/greater-pulaski-fund-awards-16440-in-local-grants/feed/0Pulaski FeaturecnycommunityfoundationCazenovia Organizations Benefit from Donor’s Grant Initiativehttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/six-cazenovia-organizations-benefit-from-donor-advised-fund/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/six-cazenovia-organizations-benefit-from-donor-advised-fund/#commentsFri, 20 Feb 2015 16:25:00 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1562]]>Cazenovia-area organizations are benefiting from a new and creative funding opportunity thanks to Community Foundation fund holder Bob Hood, who is a longtime resident and supporter of the town.

“Cazenovia is blessed with several fine organizations and hundreds of caring volunteers and staff, already contributing to our community,” said Hood, “We simply wanted to offer an incentive for new initiatives and collaborations to further their good work.”

Seeing a need for more Cazenovia-area support, Hood launched the new Common Grounds Challenge Grants (CGCG) program. This is named after Common Grounds, the coffeehouse he started in the village 16 years ago to support Project Café, which is a student-directed nonprofit that encourages community leadership among teens in Cazenovia

Hood launched CGCG with the help of a ten-person volunteer steering committee named Friends of Common Grounds, after observing the Community Foundation’s CNY85 initiative in 2012 – an online grants challenge hosted to celebrate our 85th Anniversary.

“[Vice President of Grants and Community Initiatives] John Eberle was very helpful and allowed us to ‘copy’ the format,” said Hood.

Organizations in Cazenovia with an idea to better the community were encouraged to apply. The program was set up to serve as a two-for-one matching grant, meaning that the Friends of Common Grounds doubled the grant award for each dollar raised by a recipient organization. For example, if an organization raised $500, they would be awarded a $1,000 CGCG grant.

“[These grants] were started by a vision to inspire creative ideas to address unmet needs in our community,” said Lauren Lines, a member of the CGCG Steering Committee. In January, six Cazenovia organizations received the first CGCG grants totaling $15,900. The chosen recipients received funding because their proposals addressed unmet needs in the community.

“What stood out is how many of the projects included an education component,” said Lines. “Education is something that is clearly valued and supported a great deal in our community.”

The Earth Club, Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, Cazenovia Community Preschool, Cazenovia Public Library, Cazenovia Garden Club and the Town of Cazenovia were all announced as recipients.

Lines said that the application from the Cazenovia Middle School Earth Club was especially noteworthy. The group of sixth graders raised $200 over the summer towards a tree planting project. “[They] want to do their part to make an impact on our community and our world,” she said.

The steering committee hopes that the grants encourage more innovative ideas that help the community. “Our hope is that others will be inspired after seeing what the grantees are doing, and that we’ll have even more interest for grants next year,” said Hood.

A long time philanthropist and dedicated community advocate, Hood has worked with the Community Foundation for more than 15 years, where he houses his family’s donor-advised fund.

“Our family uses the Community Foundation for philanthropy and giving back, because we trust their experienced, professional staff,” said Hood. “The Community Foundation simplifies our record keeping and provides confidence that our money will be invested and distributed wisely.”

Funding for the CGCG grants was provided by anonymous donors to Hood’s fund, from which the grants will be awarded.

This was the pilot year for the Common Grounds Challenge Grants, which are expected to return annually. “We anticipate that the awardees from this year will inspire other collaborative ideas for next year,” said Lines.

The following are the first Common Grounds Challenge Grants recipient projects:

The Cazenovia Middle School Earth Club received $400 to plant more trees in Cazenovia in partnership with the Village Tree Commission. Students will learn about, purchase and plant a variety of trees in the community.

Cazenovia Preservation Foundation received $2,400 to support its program called Cazenovia Local History: A Discovery of Place. This program creates curriculum for projects and field trips to elementary school students to connect them with community history.

Cazenovia Community Preschool received $2,000 for its Expanding Diversity Through Technology program. The preschool partnered with Cazenovia College to expose children to other cultures with technology such as Skype.

Cazenovia Public Library received $600 to implement a Little Free Library program. Little Free Libraries are book donation and collection locations in the community where readers take a book or leave a book. This is a national program to encourage literacy and reading through free book exchanges.

Cazenovia Garden Club received $4,000 for village beautification. They will replace planters, baskets, wreaths and other decorations in the village.

The Town of Cazenovia received $6,500 to create a micro-hydroelectric project. The grant will go towards the installation of a hydro turbine. The micro-hydroelectric project will generate electricity to offset the town’s electricity bill and will be used as a demonstration project to educate citizens on the technology and micro-hydro energy.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org.

Hartman is a Certified Public Accountant responsible for the operational and financial reporting aspects of the Community Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design with a minor in Retail Management, and a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Syracuse University. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Hartman served as Audit Associate at Fust Charles Chambers LLP.

Satalin provides administrative support to the finance team and assists with events and building operations. Satalin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Global Studies from Marist College. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Satalin served as Marketing Associate at a local law firm and Executive Assistant at a commercial decorating company.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/community-foundation-hires-controller-and-administrative-assistant/feed/0Blog-Feature Hrtman + SatalincnycommunityfoundationGrant Awarded to Consensus to Engage Public Around Government Modernizationhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/grant-awarded-to-consensus-to-engage-public-around-government-modernization/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/grant-awarded-to-consensus-to-engage-public-around-government-modernization/#commentsTue, 17 Feb 2015 14:00:00 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1559]]>February 17, 2015 – Consensus, the multi-partner commission focused on local government modernization, will soon be seeking public opinion on more effective and efficient governance across Onondaga County with the help of a $50,000 grant from the Central New York Community Foundation. The grant will be used to solicit input from community members on local government and the impact it has in their lives.

In its recently released Baseline Review Report, conducted by the Center for Governmental Research, Consensus found that every taxpayer is served by at least two of the 36 general purpose governments established within Onondaga County. Total spending by government entities within Onondaga County grew 40% over the past decade, compared to a 29% rate of inflation, pointing to the need for change.

Now that the baseline report is complete, Consensus will launch a major public education, outreach and engagement campaign this year, with final recommendations expected by year end. Community input will be collected through public meetings, social media, surveys, focus groups, town halls and the Consensus website.

“It is our strong belief that such significant decisions as to the form, structure and scope of local government must be driven by broad, informed and inclusive community dialogue,” said Cornelius Murphy, Consensus Co-Chair. “It is crucial to bring a wide range of voices into the process to help further understand the data that is collected and establish the community’s priorities for government modernization.”

The Community Foundation grant will be combined with similar funding provided by The Gifford Foundation, The John Ben Snow Foundation, The Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and The Allyn Foundation to conduct focus groups, phone and online surveys with community members, coordinate a speakers’ bureau for educational opportunities, and facilitate community meetings.

“Consensus’ public outreach plan is helping a large, diverse group of community members be heard about the efficiency of their local governments,” said Peter Dunn, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We hope that this inclusive feedback process not only helps inform the recommendation phase for modernization, but also sparks conversation and serves as a community building exercise.”

Consensus, the Commission on Local Government Modernization, was launched in 2014 to help shape a vision for more effective and efficient local governance in Onondaga County. It is comprised of 17 public and private partners, including SYRACUSE 20/20, CenterState CEO, Onondaga County, FOCUS Greater Syracuse, League of Women Voters of the Syracuse Metropolitan Area, Onondaga Citizens League and Homebuilders & Remodelers Association of CNY, and has received bi-partisan support from New York State Senators John A. DeFrancisco and David J. Valesky. It is led by co-chairs Cornelius (Neil) B. Murphy, Former President, SUNY ESF; M. Catherine Richardson, Retired Attorney, Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC; and James T. Walsh, former U.S. Congressman and current Government Affairs Counselor, K&L Gates LLP. To learn more about Consensus and to read the baseline report, visit: http://www.consensuscny.com .

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

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]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/grant-awarded-to-consensus-to-engage-public-around-government-modernization/feed/0consensus blog featurecnycommunityfoundationStudents Learn About Anti-Bullying from Shakespeare Programhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/students-learn-about-anti-bullying-from-shakespeare-program/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/students-learn-about-anti-bullying-from-shakespeare-program/#commentsTue, 10 Feb 2015 14:00:40 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1528]]>All children have the right to attend school in a safe, welcoming, and caring environment but bullying has made that increasingly difficult for some. The rise in reports of bullying around the country has prompted many communities to institute anti-bullying programming to foster learning without incidents of harassment or intimidation. One arts group in Syracuse has found a way to incorporate these anti-bullying programs with a unique mix of theatre, critical analysis and none other than William Shakespeare.

“Through hands-on exercises for empathy, character trait identification, improvisation, skill development and transference, we identify alternate behaviors that empower students to develop healthy relationships, be assertive and self-sustaining,” said Ronald Bell, Director of The Shakespeare Festival. “This isn’t the usual thing you do in a theatre situation, but so far we have seen a great response from students, parents and the actors.”

The students are encouraged to use critical thinking while observing and participating in classroom sessions of popular plays. They are able to interact with characters in a fear-fostering scene between the Montagues and Capulets of Romeo and Juliet as well as a controlling scene between Oberon and Titania of AMidsummer Night’s Dream.

The Community Foundation awarded the Shakespeare Festival a Community Grant to help produce the program, which includes school performances accompanied by in-class sessions with hands-on exercises. The actors ask students for immediate feedback between scenes and immerse them in non-threatening scenarios to help them identify elements of healthy relationships and friendships.

“The arts, in general, get to the problem in a way that more students can relate to,” said Bell. “Many students have difficulty with material presented as just lecture, text or pictures but in theatre there is an interactive aspect.”

The curriculum for No Bully Shakespeare draws from the “Teaching Tolerance” model of the Southern Poverty Law Center, The Colorado Shakespeare festival and input from Bell, who is a retired teacher of 24 years. The show has been performed in 5 schools within the Syracuse City School District, with plans to expand to other districts by 2016.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/students-learn-about-anti-bullying-from-shakespeare-program/feed/0Blog-Feature- No Bully ShakespearecnycommunityfoundationLR James Sanders, Jesse Navagh, Sarah Bradstreet , Gary Van Dusen and Bob Reid in the Romeo and Juliet section of SSF's No Bully ShakespeareJames Sanders as Bottom in SSF's No Bully ShakespeareVocational Rehabilitation Fund Now Accepting Grant Applicationshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/09/vocational-rehabilitation-fund-now-accepting-grant-applications/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/09/vocational-rehabilitation-fund-now-accepting-grant-applications/#commentsMon, 09 Feb 2015 14:00:36 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1525]]>The Allen Speiser Memorial Fund for Vocational Rehabilitation is accepting grant applications from programs that promote the placement and retention of employees with disabilities in the workforce. The application deadline is March 6, 2015. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit, human service organizations that serve people with disabilities in Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cortland or Cayuga Counties.

The Speiser Fund generally provides grants of up to $2,000 to agencies that support education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and raise awareness of the employment potential of people with disabilities. However, collaborative and/or innovative projects may exceed a $2,000 request.

Programs that address job placement and retention through one or more of the following methods will be considered:

Training for auxiliary personnel – training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide workplace oriented services to individuals with disabilities.

Equipment and assistive technology – any items or pieces of equipment that will be used to enhance functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

Materials for building and enhancing job readiness– materials that professionals or employers can use to enhance the employability skills of individuals with disabilities.

Work supports promoting job accommodation – may include assistance preparing for work, getting to and from work, meeting personal needs in the workplace, and performing job functions.

Formerly the C.I.G.S. Foundation, the Allen Speiser Memorial Vocational Rehabilitation Fund was established in 2001. The Fund offers grants to support special projects, make new investments, provide additional staff training – filling in the gaps that aren’t covered by government sources or other private funding. Vocational rehabilitation is the process of assisting people with any disabling condition to acquire the social, educational and work skills that will lead to employment.

The Speiser Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/09/vocational-rehabilitation-fund-now-accepting-grant-applications/feed/0SpeisercnycommunityfoundationCNYCF Supports National Wear Red Dayhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/cnycf-supports-national-wear-red-day/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/cnycf-supports-national-wear-red-day/#commentsFri, 06 Feb 2015 15:27:13 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1536]]>On February 6th, the staff of the Central New York Community Foundation wore red in support of National Wear Red Day. This day brings attention to the staggering fact heart disease is the number one killer of women.

Claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women per year, this disease is more deadly than cancer. But there’s still hope! 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented. Learn more about the symptoms of heart disease and how you can prevent it.

The Community Foundation will match all employee donations made during February’s casual Denim Fridays to give to the American Heart Association in honor of this cause.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/cnycf-supports-national-wear-red-day/feed/0CNYCF goes red for womencnycommunityfoundationCNYCF goes red for womenSkaneateles Library launches goLibrary book locker at Skaneateles YMCAhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/01/28/skaneateles-library-launches-golibrary-book-locker-at-skaneateles-ymca/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/01/28/skaneateles-library-launches-golibrary-book-locker-at-skaneateles-ymca/#commentsThu, 29 Jan 2015 02:00:51 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1510]]>This week was an exciting one for the residents of Skaneateles. On January 17th, the Skaneateles community gathered for a ribbon cutting celebrating the launch of its newgoLibrary system. This cutting edge technology installed at the Skaneateles YMCA offers Skaneateles Library patrons centrally located option for checking out and returning library books.

With no designated parking lot at the Library, visitors face limited parking options when they want to visit the location to check out or drop off books. This problem increases exponentially during busy tourist seasons.

“While our downtown location is convenient for walkers and some village residents, the lack of parking is a serious barrier for seniors, families with children, people with mobility issues, town residents or anyone who must drive into or around the village,” said Library Director Nickie Marquis. “The new kiosk provides essential library services to our patrons in a place they already heavily use that can offer ample parking, easy access to the building and extended open hours to easily return materials anytime.”

With the help of a Community Foundation grant, the Skaneateles Library installed a book locker and download station in the YMCA. The kiosk provides access to the online catalog of materials held by Onondaga County Public Libraries (OCPL), giving patrons the ability to request materials to be delivered to the YMCA or the library, whichever is most convenient. The station features a touchscreen display as well as a keyboard and mouse, making it easy to use regardless of technological comfort level.

Skaneateles community members will be some of the first patrons in Onondaga County to experience this innovative library system.

“Since the installation of the kiosk last week, we have seen a lot of excitement from people who’ve been in and out of the Y, our visitors who are learning about the service, and from the larger library community,” said Marquis. “Other libraries in the Onondaga County Public Library (OCPL) system are watching to see how things go with us and viewing this as a kind of pilot program –to see how they may be able to implement something similar in their own communities.”

The library plans to deliver books available for check-out to the YMCA every weekday by 4 PM. When materials are ready for pick-up, anyone who has checked out a book using the kiosk will be notified either by phone or email and have 5 days from the date of the notification to retrieve their items.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/01/28/skaneateles-library-launches-golibrary-book-locker-at-skaneateles-ymca/feed/0Blog-Feature-Skaneateles LibrarycnycommunityfoundationGoLibrary openingGoLibrary locker and kioskIn Memoriam: David J. Moynihan, CPAhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/01/09/in-memoriam-david-j-moynihan/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2015/01/09/in-memoriam-david-j-moynihan/#commentsFri, 09 Jan 2015 20:28:14 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1500]]>Father, husband, skilled accountant, civic leader, avid golfer, deeply devoted friend. Today, the CNY community lost a one-of-a-kind individual. He was a man that represented so much to so many. To the Central New York Community Foundation, David Moynihan was a dear friend, board member and Vice Chair of our board.

A partner at The Bonadio Group, and before that Testone Marshall & Discenza, Dave joined the Central New York Community Foundation as a board member in the spring of 2011. As a philanthropist, Dave was a strong supporter of education. He was one of the founding partners of Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession, an initiative of the Foundation for Accounting Education (FAE) and the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA), which was designed to offer career development training to minority youth. Dave also worked on Partners for Education & Business, which promotes school-business partnerships to foster the creation of a more skilled workforce. Dave and his firm were supporters of the Say Yes to Education initiative as well. A 1973 graduate of Henninger High School, Dave was honored by the Syracuse City School District Educational Foundation in March 2014 for his civic contributions.

In addition to bringing enormous skill and experience to his service on our board and to the community in general through his work, he was also a man of exceptional humor and humility. In both a personal and professional capacity, Dave comported himself in a manner that suggested he lived a life of great joy, harmony and contentment. Never to be seen without a smile on his face, Dave possessed the rare ability to light up any room he entered. It is evident to all who knew him that Dave embraced life and lived every day to the fullest.

While it is impossible not to mourn the loss of such a vibrant personality, we will forever remember his perennial smile and his signature laugh. His enduring memory and legacy of joy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone here at the Central New York Community Foundation. Our deepest condolences go out to Dave’s family, friends and colleagues at this most difficult time. He will be profoundly missed.

Eighty-two gifts totaling $16,395 were contributed during the campaign. Gifts from private and individual business contributors helped the Fund’s Advisory Committee attain $15,000 in matching dollars from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, bringing the total raised this year to $31,395. The Trust had pledged to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $15,000, of contributions received on or before December 15, 2014.

The Pulaski Fund supports town improvement programs and projects operated by nonprofit organizations in the Village of Pulaski and the Town of Richland. Projects such as the Pulaski Bear Team, the Salmon River Festival, and the Pulaski Congregational Church’s Rhea LaVeck Memorial Concert Series were all supported by grants from the Fund. Since its inception, the Fund has supported arts & culture, community development, education, environment, health, and human services programming in the Pulaski region with more than $240,000 in grants.

About the Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund is a union of gifts contributed by the people of the Pulaski community that makes grants to support programs and projects of importance to the area. Since its inception in 1992, the Fund has provided more than $240,000 in grants to benefit the Pulaski community. People can learn more about the fund and contribute at www.cnycf.org/Pulaski. The Pulaski Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

Proposals are encouraged from a variety of program areas including education, health, social services, the arts, and civic concerns, as well as preservation of historic resources.

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund, a union of gifts contributed by the people of the Pulaski community, makes grants to support programs and projects of importance to the area. Since its inception in 1992, The Fund has provided more than $245,000 in grants to benefit the Pulaski community. The Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation.

The next grant application deadline for the Fund is January 31, 2015. Organizations are only eligible to receive one grant per 12-month time period. Please visit www.cnycf.org/pulaski to download a copy of the application and guidelines.

For more information, please contact Jan Lane at 883-5546 or email JLane@cnycf.org.

About the Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund is a union of gifts contributed by the people of the Pulaski community that makes grants to support programs and projects of importance to the area. Since its inception in 1992, the Fund has provided more than $245,000 in grants to benefit the Pulaski community. Learn more about the fund and contribute at http://www.cnycf.org/Pulaski. The Pulaski Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/29/greater-pulaski-community-fund-now-accepting-grant-applications-7/feed/0Pulaski Fund logo_Revised_8_5_14jmaloffcnycfCommunity Foundation Awards $683,035 in Grants to CNY Nonprofitshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/22/community-foundation-awards-683035-in-grants-to-cny-nonprofits/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/22/community-foundation-awards-683035-in-grants-to-cny-nonprofits/#commentsMon, 22 Dec 2014 14:00:01 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1491]]>December 22, 2014 – The Central New York Community Foundation recently announced that it is awarding $683,035 in grants to nonprofit organizations within Onondaga and Madison counties. Four of the funded projects will provide support services and education opportunities to Syracuse City school students. To help increase student academic performance in the Syracuse City School District, two new educational programs will be implemented to help students better succeed in school. WCNY received a $26,708 grant to send 1,600 Syracuse City School District students through its Enterprise America program, which provides 30 hours of classroom curriculum followed by a hands-on simulated city experience at the WCNY headquarters on West Fayette Street. The city features a City Hall and 14 business that mirror present and future careers in Central New York to provide a hands-on learning experience of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. 100 Black Men of Syracuse received $10,000 to implement Saturday Academy, a mentoring program that aims to help Syracuse City students understand the fundamental concepts of math, science and language arts that they can then apply in school. Each Saturday program offers two one-hour academic sessions, lunch and a mentoring or life skills session for boys and girls in grades 5-8. Two new youth support programs will receive funding to help guide middle school student behavior for future success. Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection received $23,543 towards its Soaring Eagles program at the Phoenix Center, which is designed to provide an educational experience outside of school walls that demonstrates they can achieve success as contributing members of society. Participating students will be asked to research issues faced by the community such as abandoned lots, homelessness and decayed buildings. They will visit local sites, take photos and video and interview key members of the community before presenting their findings to an audience of family members, Board of Education and community leaders. Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways received $29,595 to expand its Be a Friend First (BFF) program to deliver school-day sessions to 1,800 Syracuse City School District girls in grades 4-8. The six one-hour sessions will provide them with tools they need to combat bullying of all forms and tips and strategies for interacting with all of the people in their lives. “These new educational and support programs are creative partnerships between the Syracuse City School District and nonprofits that will strengthen our local organizations while setting up our region’s children for success,” said Peter Dunn, Community Foundation President and CEO. Additional Grants Awarded The Community Foundation also awarded grants to programs in the fields of arts & culture, education, environment and animals, and human services: Audubon New York received $30,000 to add a local coordinator who will oversee Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps’ environmental education and community engagement activities. Aurora of CNY received $30,000 to train a specialized job readiness coach and deaf interpreter who will work with refugees who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact Community Services received $30,000 to update the existing manual and support materials used by its crisis hotline volunteers and to add crisis chat volunteer training. CNY Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CNYSPCA) received $50,000 to renovate its large dog kennels to protect the safety of the dogs and visitors, control the spread of contagious diseases and reduce mental stress on the animals. Fair Housing Council of CNY received $5,000 to increase awareness of its services in Madison County by conducting trainings and distributing marketing materials. Interfaith Works of Central New York received $100,000 towards renovations and build-out of the agency’s new facility, which will house its refugee resettlement and support services under one roof. Museum of Science & Technology (MoST) received $40,000 to renovate its Science Shop, which is a main contributor to keeping admission prices to the educational museum affordable. Move Along received $5,886 to promote available options for individuals with disabilities to engage in adaptive sports that can improve social skills, self-confidence and independence. Northern Onondaga Public Library received $5,000 to upgrade and make more accessible its LibraryFarm, a community garden, a portion of which provides food to North Syracuse food pantries. Oneida Public Library received $100,000 towards the construction of a new facility that will better accommodate space for improved technology and automation, collection development and additional parking. Onondaga County Department of Parks & Recreation received $50,000 towards the development of the Skä·noñh Great Law of Peace Center, located at the Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois museum on Onondaga Lake Parkway, which will feature interactive exhibits that showcase Native influence on American way of life. Pet Partners of Syracuse received $1,303 to recruit additional volunteer pet therapy teams through the use of community presentations and promotions. St. David’s Episcopal Church received $4,000 to facilitate diverse, community-wide conversations leading up to its Celebration of the Arts performance of Ragtime, which highlights issues of race, class, immigration and violence. The Samaritan Center received $100,000 towards the build-out of a family dining area at its new location in the former St. John’s Church on State Street. The new dining area will serve as a place families can have meals together and as a center for family and child programming. Syracuse Habitat for Humanity received $35,000 to hire a Rehabilitation Construction Manager who will oversee its new program to rehabilitate vacant properties in the City of Syracuse. Willow Field Elementary PTO received $7,000 to install a new children’s playground, which will be open to the general public once complete. About the Central New York Community Foundation Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org ##]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/22/community-foundation-awards-683035-in-grants-to-cny-nonprofits/feed/0Blog Feature Template IIcnycommunityfoundationThe Leadership Classroom: Getting to Know Hasan Stephenshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/the-leadership-classroom-getting-to-know-hasan-stephens/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/the-leadership-classroom-getting-to-know-hasan-stephens/#commentsThu, 18 Dec 2014 21:20:09 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1470]]>

Hasan Stephens began his journey with The Leadership Classroom(TLC) three years ago in 2011 as a participant with Save the Kids, but his development as a community leader began with the mentors and experiences he encountered throughout his life. A graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Hasan remembers growing up with a mother who could do it all.

“She worked full-time, went to school full-time, raised two black males in inner-city New York, put us in the best of schools and we made it out ok,” said Stephens.

His mother’s work ethic made him question how little he knew about fiscal responsibility so he sought to educate himself and other disadvantaged youth about financial literacy. Eventually, he delved deeper into the causes of poverty by asking the question “What does it take for youth to have a good life?”

The Leadership Classroom is an ideal initiative for residents like Stephens and grassroots groups wanting to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Stephens returned to TLC in in 2012 with a desire to learn how to build his own outreach to provide mentorship, entrepreneurial opportunities, and educational support for local youth.

“It helped me, on a personal level, to know that what I was doing was needed, and that I was a part of a family that was doing good in the world,” he said.

TLC not only taught him how to build a steady brick-by-brick foundation for his own nonprofit, Good Life Youth Foundation, but allowed him to motivate classmates with probing questions and an engaging presence.

For Stephens, the outcomes of the TLC program are as emotional as they are encouraging. He feels the program forces participants to look at their own lives and self-interests where, as community leaders, they often overlook their own needs to help others.

“Hasan was an immediate ‘star’ of TLC, grasping the key concepts of leadership, community organizing, and grantwriting; he put them to work right away for his nonprofit,” said Beth Broadway, TLC Lead Facilitator. “It was his passion and intelligence that led Olive and me to ask him to co-facilitate the Leadership Classroom.”

His level of engagement and experience as a Sociology professor at SUNY Cortland and a youth consultant for Nourishing Tomorrows Leaders and the Department of Justice Youth Taskforce made him a strong candidate to continue the spark by serving as TLC Co-Facilitator.

“It was clear from his first day as a TLC participant that Hasan brings tremendous qualities that inspire everyone whom he interacts with,” said Olive Sephuma, Director of Community Grantmaking. “He serves as a great model for the community leaders that he mentors and works with through TLC. We are thrilled to have him serving in the role of facilitator for this program.”

To motivate future leaders in the program, he taps into their passion. He says that TLC students are insightful, want to go out into the community and are people who are ready to act. His goal is to empower students to communicate efficiently, to value the powerful one-to-one organizing model and to take their training very seriously whether in the classroom or as a TLC graduate.

“I love being a part of a family of people who want change in the world,” said Stephens. “I really do have a goal to change the world. I hope that my work is able to change and shift a better culture for youth and have an impact on a large scale.”

Listen to a few fun tidbits about Hasan Stephens below:

https://cnycf.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/hasan_gettingtoknow_interview_done.wav]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/the-leadership-classroom-getting-to-know-hasan-stephens/feed/3Hasan Profile TitlecnycommunityfoundationGetting to Know Hasan Stephns, Co-Facilitator of the Leadership Classroom, cnycf.org/TLCAdults and Children Find Multicultural Learning Opportunities through Partners in Learninghttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/adults-and-children-find-multicultural-learning-opportunities-through-partners-in-learning/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/adults-and-children-find-multicultural-learning-opportunities-through-partners-in-learning/#commentsThu, 18 Dec 2014 15:07:28 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1477]]>With nearly 93 million American adults having basic or below-basic literacy levels, it’s no surprise that one in four children grow up without learning how to read. The imminent need for an increase in literacy and educational programs in the United States is being addressed by thousands of organizations around the country, and there’s a remarkable one located right here in Central New York.

Partners in Learning, located on Syracuse’s Westside, provides an ethnic and linguistic diversity of families in Onondaga County with education, training, and employment services. The organization, in partnership with the Syracuse City School District and P.E.A.C.E, Inc. Head Start, practices a unique nationally recognized teaching method to generate an effective learning environment for families with its MANOS Dual Language Early Childhood Education program. The MANOS program’s learning model encourages people of all ages to learn together and from each other with activities to cultivate Spanish and English language skills while supporting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

“We’ve found that our practice of an Intergenerational Learning Model in the MANOS program has been very effective,” said President and CEO of Partners in Learning, Theresa Pagano. “This form of learning provides opportunities for adults and children to learn independently, transfer knowledge, and build a foundation for success in learning across the lifespan.”

Partners in Learning received a Community Foundation grant in Collaboration with the Literacy Coalition to support its MANOS Intergenerational Learning Circles (MILC), which offers Latino parents and caregivers the opportunity to meet weekly to learn about the Common Core Standards, practice English through reading books supplied by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, make cultural comparisons, and put learning to practice with their children in the MANOS classrooms.

This learning environment helps families build cross-cultural connections and enhance literacy and language skills, ultimately helping to overcome language and cultural barriers. In conjunction with the West Side Learning Center (WSLC), Partners in Learning is able to assist parents, children and families in acquiring the necessary skills to be productive workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and engaged citizens.

The West Side Learning Center, an integral component of the organization, offers adults the opportunity to choose from a menu of learning options that fit their preference. Options include English language instruction, computer and office technology training, early childhood education, job readiness, internship placement, and foreign credential translation and evaluation. In 2013, 803 adults enrolled in the classes and 90% of them improved their English-language literacy while 121 found employment opportunities. The Learning Center received a Community Foundation grant to update and expand its Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) computer lab to handle both the latest language development technology and the computing resources for the MANOS program.

“Each week more than 200 ELL adults access the (TELL) lab to practice English and keyboarding skills, learn Microsoft Word and Excel, search the internet for employment opportunities, and connect via email with potential employers, friends and family,” said Theresa Pagano. “These opportunities are essential to the success of our learners and could not have been possible without the generous CNYCF grant we received.”

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/adults-and-children-find-multicultural-learning-opportunities-through-partners-in-learning/feed/0Blog Feature Partners in LearningjmaloffcnycfIMG_3182IMG_3751 (2)Oswego County Community Foundation Receives $100,000 gift from Oswego Nativehttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/09/oswego-county-community-foundation-receives-100000-gift-from-oswego-native/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/09/oswego-county-community-foundation-receives-100000-gift-from-oswego-native/#commentsTue, 09 Dec 2014 20:39:24 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1446]]>December 5, 2014- Susan Downey is no stranger to Oswego, having grown up there and now residing not far down the road in Baldwinsville. She continues to maintain her mother’s residence with the hope that she will move back to her hometown in the coming years. Those strong ties motivated Susan to contribute $100,000 to the newly established Oswego County Community Foundation, helping get it closer to its $500,000 fundraising goal.

“There are so many organizations and people in need in the Oswego community because of cut backs and limited funding,” said Downey. “I think it’s very important for money to remain in the area, so when I heard about the establishment of this foundation, I felt it was a great opportunity to give back to my roots.”

Downey’s passion and love for giving back is evident through her years of volunteer work with organizations such as the Baldwinsville Public Library, and the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center.

“I am hoping that this gift will motivate others in Oswego to step forward and give back,” said Downey. “The Oswego County Community Foundation has opened the doors for community members like me to be part of creating a permanent, ongoing source of support for the benefit of the region’s charitable organizations. It is a wonderful opportunity to make people more aware about giving locally.”

Once the initial fundraising goal of $500,000 is met, the Foundation will award grants to local nonprofit organizations with programs ranging broadly from arts and culture, environment and animal welfare, to education, human services, health and civic affairs.

“The OCCF leadership team is grateful for the confidence and trust that Ms. Downey has placed in us by making a substantial personal gift to the foundation’s unrestricted endowment,” said Randy Zeigler, Oswego County Community Foundation Interim Chair. “This gift is getting us closer to the funding goal we need to reach to begin grantmaking within the county. “

The Oswego County Community Foundation is a component of the Central New York Community Foundation and is a geographically specific endowment that provides a source of permanent charitable dollars for nonprofits serving residents of Oswego County. To learn more about the Oswego County Community Foundation, including how to make a contribution, visit OswegoCountyCF.org.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. www.cnycf.org.

We are excited to announce that the winner of last week’s #unSelfieCNY charitable drawing is Chuck Fiello, Jr. Chuck designated the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter to receive the $1,000 grant prize. Fiello designated that the gift be awarded in the honor if his mother, Cynthia Fiello, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in her late-50s.

“It hurts watching my mother go through this, but I am happy knowing that such a great thing is being done in her honor for the holidays,” said Fiello. “I wanted to help in hopes that others one day won’t spend their holidays wondering how much their loved ones remember holiday memories. With the help of the Community Foundation’s gift, I received one of the best Christmas wishes I could ever ask for.”

The Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, which is dedicated to the elimination of Alzheimer’s disease and the support of individuals who have been diagnosed with it, is delighted to receive the grant support.

“We are grateful that Chuck selected the Alzheimer’s Association to receive this charitable gift,” said Catherine James, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter. “The photo he used featuring him and his mom at an SU football game is a reminder of why the work of the Chapter is important. While you may not be impacted by the disease, chances are very good that you know someone who is. That reminder of our mission is the real power of the Central New York Community Foundation’s #unSelfieCNY contest.”

In just 24 hours, hundreds of individuals of all ages, families, and nonprofit staff, board and volunteers turned a camera on themselves for a “selfie” but this time for a charitable purpose. Members of the public were asked to “Tell Your Giving Story” in the form of an “unSelfie” – a photo of themselves stating what inspires them to give back to the community. Posting the photo to a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account with the hashtag #unSelfieCNY made it eligible for the Community’s Foundation random drawing to designated a $1,000 grant to a Central New York charity.

“Central New York is full of generous people and the #unSelfieCNY effort really highlighted that,” said Peter Dunn, Community Foundation President and CEO. “The people behind the organizations and causes featured in the submitted photos exemplify selflessness during this holiday season. While this effort was focused on only one day, we hope everyone who participated or observed are inspired to support local causes throughout the year.”

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. More info: cnycf.org.

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Cayuga County received $718 to purchase 48 mental health first aid manuals to use for its Mental Health First Aid Program which educates community leaders on how to eradicate the discrimination of mental illness.

Freedom Recreational Services for Youth with Disabilities received $2,500 to upgrade its computer equipment and software in order to create a website resource for the families it serves.

Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County received $2,200 to purchase books, supplies and materials to meet New York State requirements on tutor training and HS equivalency.

Seymour Public Library District received $3,400 to help create a “senior space” within the library to offer a comfortable reading area with an enhanced collection of books and resources of interest to people age 60 and older.

Audubon New York received $2,516 to support the Montezuma Alliance for the Restoration of Species and Habitats (MARSH) program that will engage Cayuga County community members with the habitat restoration work at the Seneca River and Howland’s Island through stewardship activities.

Unity House of Cayuga County received $2,100 to purchase desktop computers for administrative staff.

Learning Disabilities Association of CNY received $722 to support tutoring and coaching services for Cayuga County middle and high school students with learning disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

These grants were made possible with support from the Cayuga Community Fund, the Cayuga Health Association Fund and the Dr. Henry Romano Fund for Children.

The Cayuga Community Fund

The Cayuga Community Fund, created in 2008, is a geographically specific fund created to serve as a source of permanent charitable dollars available to nonprofits serving residents of Cayuga County. Grants are awarded from the endowment fund annually to aid vital programs in education, health, social services, the arts, civic and environmental concerns, as well as the preservation of historic resources in Cayuga County. The Cayuga Community Fund has granted more than $140,000 to nonprofit groups since 2010.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/cayuga-fund-distributes-more-than-30000-in-grants/feed/0Cayuga-Feature-PhotojmaloffcnycfCommunity Foundation Leaders Gather at the White House for Celebrationhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/community-foundation-leaders-gather-at-the-white-house-for-celebration/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/community-foundation-leaders-gather-at-the-white-house-for-celebration/#commentsThu, 04 Dec 2014 15:12:57 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1452]]>Amidst the excitement of ‘Giving Tuesday’ this December 2nd, more than 100 philanthropic leaders from around the country came together for something extraordinary. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the nation’s first community foundation and Senior White House Officials wasted no time insuring this special milestone was commemorated.

In collaboration with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, President Obama invited leaders from community foundations around the country to attend an all-day convening titled, Community Foundations: Vital Leadership for America’s Future to celebrate a century of community foundation achievements and discuss what lies ahead. Our President and CEO, Peter Dunn, convened with more than 100 community foundation leaders in attendance at the gathering, which was hosted at the White House’s Office for Social Innovation.

Guests were welcomed with opening remarks from White House officials followed by a panel session on the successful partnerships, funding priorities and new initiatives community foundations are currently offering. The philanthropic and community foundation leaders were then offered the opportunity to network and discuss relevant topics such as climate change, racial equity, STEM education, rural economies, college achievement, and impact investing. With more than 750 community foundations operating across North America, a many diverse and valuable dialogues were exchanged.

Since the 1914 creation of the first community foundation in Cleveland, community foundations have flourished as institutions, but not without obstacles along the way. Senior White House Officials addressed several of the challenges community foundations face when working to carry out their core domestic priorities and values.

It was concluded that fundamental values like creativity, compassion, and perseverance are the basic principles that will allow for community foundations to prosper. On Giving Tuesday, while much of the country was celebrating civic engagement, this convening was the perfect opportunity to gather and celebrate community foundations’ centennial accomplishments and consider how the public sector and philanthropy can collaborate to shape America’s future.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/community-foundation-leaders-gather-at-the-white-house-for-celebration/feed/0Blog- Feature PD White HousejmaloffcnycfB3-JV4HCEAAeB-jMaureen Dore and Geneva Hayden Receive TLC Awards for Charitable Effortshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/maureen-dore-and-geneva-hayden-receive-tlc-awards-for-charitable-efforts/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/maureen-dore-and-geneva-hayden-receive-tlc-awards-for-charitable-efforts/#commentsThu, 04 Dec 2014 14:39:23 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1440]]>December 4, 2014 (Syracuse, NY) – At an annual dinner that gathered 21 years’ worth of new and past participants of The Leadership Classroom (TLC), two classmates took home great honors. Maureen Dore was named the 2014 TLC Grassroots Leader of the Year and Geneva Hayden was presented the TLC Lifetime Achievement Award. The Leadership Classroom, an initiative of the Central New York Community Foundation, conducts training with leaders of grassroots community organizations to build the leadership skills needed to effectively improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

Dore, a 2013 TLC Classroom graduate has been very active in making a difference in the quality of life of the Northside neighborhood. Among her incredible list of projects, she led efforts to replace Lower Union Park’s playground, co-founded Northside Karate with CNY Karate to provide children with a free karate program and initiated a soccer program at Washington Square Park.

“I’m elated that the Central New York Community Foundation recognizes grassroots efforts, which is something I absolutely love to partake in,” said Dore. “Grassroots efforts strengthen neighborhoods by connecting with the people that reside there.”

The Grassroots Leadership Award is a significant honor; it is awarded to a TLC graduate who has demonstrated success in advocating for and serving his or her neighborhood, ethnic group or community and bears a $1,500 award for the recipient’s organization.

Hayden, presented with the TLC Lifetime Achievement award, is a 1993 inaugural graduate of the TLC Classroom. For the past 25 years, Hayden has dedicated her life to serving the African American children of our community, initially opening her home to neighborhood children and families to teach them reading and to build up the community. Her awareness of community needs led her to found Communities United to Rebuild Neighborhoods, a block-by-block program that engages parents and children in neighborhood pride. As a TLC graduate, Hayden learned the necessary skills to continue growing as a leader in her quest to build her community and has long since worked to empower other neighborhood leaders.

“When you first go to TLC classes you don’t know what to expect, but that program has impacted my life to the fullest because they gave me skills that I didn’t even know were within me,” said Hayden. “The Lifetime Achievement Award is not only for me, but for all the wonderful people who participated and salvaged love and kindness to make the community a special place for young people.”

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org.

So you’ve enjoyed Thanksgiving. You’ve survived Black Friday and you’re dodging online promotions from every corner of the internet on Cyber Monday. While retail may be rewarding to our families and economy, we can’t forget to cheer on the individuals and groups that exemplify the spirit of giving. Our neighborhoods rely on a jolt of charity and selfless service to stock up food pantries, get homes winter-ready and help clothe and feed those in need. In all of our spending, we see the gaps that nonprofits are able to fill alongside donors and volunteers and it’s important to celebrate their unselfish deeds. That’s why the Central New York Community Foundation promotes #GivingTuesday, the national day for giving, in Central New York.

Through our #unSelfieCNY campaign, Central New York can share the amazing giving stories of our nonprofits, donors and volunteers by taking a photo with a sign that tells us to whom you give, or why you give. It’s called an #unselfie. Upon the completion of Giving Tuesday, one lucky person will be picked at random to tell us which nonprofit in Central New York they’d like us to grant $1,000 to in their name. The power to share and the power to give fall in the hands of each and every one of us.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/5-reasons-to-post-in-unselfiecny-tomorrow/feed/0UNSELFIE_FEATURE_ARTcnycommunityfoundationSelfless giving is the key component to #unSelfieCNY. One winner gets to not only share their story but tell us which nonprofit will be granted $1,000. Those odds are worth a smile and a cause. Help do more good and see you on Dec.2nd!According to socialmagnets.net, we have tremendous influence and rapport with our networks. What you know (and do) positions you to help increase the awareness of social problems that only you can communicate.Knowing that you sacrificed something such as time, finances or property in order to help others is a noble deed — one deserving of a pat on the back or a spot on our #unselfiecny page. We know you could’ve had those lattes but you instead gave to homeless teens. Kudos to you.When considering donating to a charity, users who stayed connected to their charity were well researched on issues connected to that charity as well as injustices around the world. This is the age of the informed giver. What better way to keep up with your favorite charity than to tag them in your #unselfie. Let them know who you are and that you are a champion for the cause.UP Start Collaborative Helps Food Truck Entrepreneur Realize Dreamhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/26/up-start-collaborative-helps-food-truck-entrepreneur-realize-dream/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/26/up-start-collaborative-helps-food-truck-entrepreneur-realize-dream/#commentsWed, 26 Nov 2014 20:04:00 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1412]]>Small, independently owned businesses, offering a variety of goods and services, have been the backbone of Syracuse’s Northside neighborhood for generations. Curtis Washington’s story is a wonderful example of what can happen when Syracuse residents with a taste for entrepreneurship can make their dreams a reality with the help of resource and mentoring connections.

Washington is a daytime chef at Carnegie Cafe and a volunteer chef for Exodus 3 Ministries Women’s Shelter. His love of cooking ignited a desire to start his own business, but he wasn’t quite sure where to start. When his fiancé learned about the UP Start Entrepreneurship program, she insisted that Jackson seize the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do with his cooking talent – launch his own food truck aptly named “That’s What’s Up.”

Mixing up soul food dishes with exotic spices and embellishments, Washington’s food truck allows him to serve groups of people excited about food, culture and new ideas.

“My whole thing is to have fun with food,” he said. “I love the idea of being able to teach people about new flavors, new places and new things.”

The UP Start Syracuse Entrepreneurship program was launched after Northside Up won the Central New York Community Foundation’s $85,000 CNY85 Collaborative Impact prize in 2012 – the Foundation’s 85th Anniversary year. UP Start is a collaborative entrepreneurial training and incubation program. The program targets the next generation of urban entrepreneurs and connects them with essential training, resources, mentors and incubation from a myriad of partnerships. UP Start’s collaborative impact has drawn partners such as the Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union, NYS Small Business Development Center, ProLiteracy, The Tech Garden, St. Joseph’s Hospital, CenterState CEO, SUNY Educational Opportunity Center and many others.

“It’s not just a class. We strive to be a resource for people who have the talent but may need the direction or the know-how to connect with resources to move forward in their business ideas,” said Northside UP program manager Stasya Erickson.

Entrepreneurs in the incubation stage of UP Start have advanced through the initial classroom seminars and developed a comprehensive business portfolio. A diverse spectrum of entrepreneurs from varying ethnicities, regions of Syracuse, age and even refugee backgrounds have been attracted to the Syracuse UP Start program.

“The Community Foundation is thrilled to see supports for an entrepreneurial ecosystem being built out in the City of Syracuse—especially among those that might have been excluded in the past,” said John Eberle, Community Foundation Vice President, Grants and Community Initiatives.
UP Start’s diverse entrepreneurs also have access to a resource network of mentors and technical assistance in the areas of business planning, financial planning, marketing, and event planning to test their products and services. Now one year into the program, Washington’s meets with his mentor, Daniel Cowen, at least weekly. With his food truck paid off, he is able to run ideas by Dan about next steps, including healthy menu items, accounting practices and marketing to cater for groups and private businesses.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without UP Start,” Washingtons said.

The Central New York Community Foundation’s investment in entrepreneurs through programs like UP Start empowers the next generation of urban entrepreneurs to start businesses and improve the Syracuse community.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/26/up-start-collaborative-helps-food-truck-entrepreneur-realize-dream/feed/0Thats-Whats-UP-FeaturecnycommunityfoundationOswego County Community Foundation Receives $25,000 Gifthttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/24/oswego-county-community-foundation-receives-25000-gift-2/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/24/oswego-county-community-foundation-receives-25000-gift-2/#commentsMon, 24 Nov 2014 21:27:47 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1415]]>November 25, 2014- The Oswego County Community Foundation recently received a $25,000 contribution from Community Bank, N.A. This gift is moving the Foundation closer to its initial endowment fundraising goal of $500,000.

Community Bank, N.A. is a full-service financial institution headquartered in Dewitt. The bank’s roots can be traced back to 1866, the year when its predecessor bank, St. Lawrence National Bank, was chartered. Since then, the bank has expanded regionally with administrative locations in Canton and Olean, New York, and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and ATMs throughout Northern New York, the Finger Lakes Region, the Southern Tier, Southwestern New York, and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“The leadership council of the Oswego County Community Foundation is grateful for the gift made by Community Bank in support of our initial funding goal,” said Randy Zeigler, Oswego County Community Foundation Interim Chair. “We sincerely appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Community Bank in helping to build the initial endowment resources of the Foundation”.

The Oswego County Community Foundation, a geographically specific endowment, provides a source of permanent charitable dollars for nonprofits serving residents of Oswego County. Once the initial fundraising goal of $500,000 is met, the Foundation will award grants to local nonprofit organizations with programs ranging broadly from arts and culture, environment and animal welfare, to education, human services, health and civic affairs.

To learn more about the Oswego County Community Foundation, including how to make a contribution, visit www.OswegoCountyCF.org.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

The Oswego County Community Foundation is a component of the Central New York Community Foundation. Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org

November 17, 2014 – The smartphone self-portrait, known as the ‘selfie’, has established itself as a standard form of self-expression in the digital age. More than 1 million selfies are posted to social media outlets each day, often chronicling a mood, event or place visited. The phenomenon even permeated pop culture to the point that “selfie” was named the Oxford English Dictionary’s “Word of the Year” in 2013. This Giving Tuesday – December 2 – the Central New York Community Foundation is asking community members to turn the camera on themselves once again, but this time for a charitable purpose.

Members of the public are being asked to “Tell Your Giving Story” in the form of an “unSelfie” – a photo of yourself alone, or with family, friends, colleagues or even pets – holding a sign that tells the world what inspires you to give back to the community. The process is as simple as writing how or why you support charitable causes with your time or money on a piece of paper and holding it up in front of you for a photo.

Posting the photo to a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account with the hashtag #unSelfieCNY will make it eligible for a random drawing the Community Foundation will hold upon completion of Giving Tuesday. One person chosen at random will be able to name the Central New York charity of their choice to receive a $1,000 grant from the Community Foundation. In order to be eligible for the giveaway, your post must contain the hashtag #unSelfieCNY and its security settings set to be viewable by the public.

“We see this effort as a fun way to share the message that it does not take a lot of money or time to make a significant difference on your community,” said Peter Dunn, Community Foundation President and CEO. “Central New York is full of generous people, and we want to highlight that. We hope people take this opportunity to talk with their children, friends and colleagues about how we can each do our part.”

Those interested in viewing the #unSelfieCNY posts can visit cnycf.org/givingtuesday to see them as they are posted throughout the day.

#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give. It will culminate with a global day of giving on December 2, 2014. This effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners— charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a global moment that is dedicated to giving around the world.

Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. More info: cnycf.org.

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]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/17/this-giving-tuesday-community-foundation-putting-selfless-twist-on-the-selfie/feed/0givingTuesday_logo_2014cnycommunityfoundation53View-unselfies-buttonTraining Young Champions with Faith and Hopehttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/training-young-champions-with-faith-and-hope/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/training-young-champions-with-faith-and-hope/#commentsFri, 14 Nov 2014 08:45:00 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1394]]>Seventeen-year-old Mohamed and his younger brother Omar, 15, are first-time boxing students in downtown Syracuse. One month after moving across the country, the boys sought out activities to help them settle into life away from their former home in Ft. Worth, Texas.

“If we couldn’t box, maybe we would do karate but it’s a lot of money and we just moved here and didn’t want to ask our mom to have to do that so we asked to do this,” said Omar.

On their first day of boxing, the boys joined their semi-professional peers, delving right into treadmill running, sit-ups, and jump rope warmups before weight training on new equipment. While Faith Hope Community Center’s daily activities include healthy meals, meditation and homework help for students in Syracuse’s Southside neighborhoods, most of the resources for the program come from the volunteers and co-owners in hopes to sustain the staple program of the center: their youth after-school boxing program.

The Center’s boxing program has been able to address issues like violence, bullying, trauma and frustration by encouraging youth to focus their energy on the competitive sport of boxing.

“Most of the kids who they say are violent and no one else wants to deal with, those are the kids we want to deal with,” said Bob Harrison.

For students like Mohamed, the draw to the boxing program was the ability to feel safe and learn self-defense. Thirteen-year-old Lemorris Dexter said that after a recent Syracuse Police Community talk-back at the Center, his father recommended he consider boxing to help channel his temper. With a growing need to teach youth, the Center sought out resources to help adequately train aspiring boxers.

“Our athletes show that good things come out of this community and we’re proud to be a part of them,” said Bob. “We hope that other kids will follow after them. We want them to be champions of the community.”

The trainers are not alone in their mentoring. Harrison describes the center’s environment as encouraging because of the frequenting of past and present professional boxers who volunteer with youth in the boxing afterschool program such as welterweight Daria Hill.

The help of a small grant from the Central New York Community Foundation allowed the Center to purchase kettle bells and a multi-purpose weight machine to advance the quality of its boxing program. Board member Irene Aurora says that the equipment was a much needed help and allows the trainers to focus their resources on taking students to their competitions and growing the capacity of their program in Syracuse.

“Working with these guys is what the trainers do. This helps them do what they do best,” she said.

Community Foundation Week (November 12-18, 2014) highlights the critical role community foundations play in their local communities. Community Foundations are uniquely suited to spark community-wide conversations about giving and to bring people together for generating new ideas that will tackle our most entrenched challenges, spark partnerships, and make a deeper impact through charitable investments.

Each day this week we will be highlighting our community services and impact through posts to our social media and this blog. Follow along to hear how our staff proudly connects with donors and nonprofits for the betterment of Central New York by honoring legacies, assisting our professional advisor community, sparking strategic partnerships, funding impactful nonprofit projects and more!

The Central New York Community Foundation is proud to join more than 750 community foundations across North America for the 25th Annual Community Foundation Week taking place November 12-18. Together, community foundations all over the country will celebrate the lives changed and communities transformed through philanthropy’s partnership with private and public community leaders and organizations. Additionally this year marks the 100th anniversary of the nation’s first community foundation – the Cleveland Foundation. We are excited to be a part of the celebration of the first century of community philanthropy and look ahead to the next 100 years.

Where did Community Foundations Come From?

Banker and lawyer Frederick H. Goff had a vision to pool the charitable resources of Cleveland’s philanthropists, living and dead, into a single, great, and permanent endowment for the betterment of the city. From that revolutionary idea, the Cleveland Foundation was born on Jan. 2, 1914. Over the last 100 years, community foundations have developed in hundreds of communities to build permanent charitable endowments that support nonprofit projects, help donors achieve their charitable goals, and lead and partner in community level initiatives. Every state in the United States is home to at least one community foundation—large and small, urban and rural—that is advancing solutions to a wide range of social issues.

What Community Foundations Do

Community foundations are independent, public entities that receive donations from institutions and individuals, then manage and award those funds as grants to local nonprofits that are the heart of strong, vibrant communities. By pooling donations together, the funds are invested and grown for even greater impact. Community foundations represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy.

Your Local Community Foundation

The Central New York Community Foundation, established in 1927, is now 87 years old. We administer more than 650 component charitable funds and have awarded more than $130 million in grants since inception. As the region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation awards more than $9.5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually.

Hear our staff talk about the work that they do

PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR COUNCIL

LEGACY GIVING

COMMUNITY GRANTMAKING

THE LEADERSHIP CLASSROOM

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

HONORING OUR DONORS

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

What’s Coming Soon

Community members who want to make an even bigger impact this holiday season can take part in #UnselfieCNY on Tuesday, December 2nd in celebration of #GivingTuesday. This ‘holiday’ is a nationwide initiative designed to inspire charitable giving during the busy holiday season. The Central New York Community Foundation is inviting all community members to share their ‘Giving Story’ by writing on a piece of paper why, whom, or how they give back to their local community, taking a selfie, and posting it to any social media site using the hashtag #UnselfieCNY. One randomly selected participant will win a $1,000 charitable donation to the CNY charity of their choice. More information can be found at cnycf.org/givingtuesday.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/12/2014-national-community-foundation-week/feed/0Blog-Feature-Community Foundation Weekjmaloffcnycftwitter-150x150facebook iconPulaski Fund in Final Push to Reach $15,000 Goalhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/12/pulaski-fund-in-final-push-to-reach-15000-goal-4/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/12/pulaski-fund-in-final-push-to-reach-15000-goal-4/#commentsWed, 12 Nov 2014 08:00:37 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1387]]>November 12, 2014 (Pulaski, NY) – The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund’s Advisory Committee has raised $9,155 toward its fundraising goal of $15,000. With 32 days remaining to raise $5,845 by December 15, the Advisory Committee is working hard to meet its goal in this final stretch. Doing so will make the Fund eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of $15,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust.

The Pulaski Fund has supported nonprofit and town projects such as Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and the Pulaski Bear Team, Northern Oswego County Ambulance and the Preservation & Revitalization of Pulaski. This funding will perpetually benefit arts, culture, community development, education, environment, health and human services programming in the Village of Pulaski and the Town of Richland.

You can help the Pulaski Advisory Committee meet its $15,000 goal by contributing to the Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund. Contributions are tax-deductible, and can be sent to:

Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund

c/o Central New York Community Foundation

431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100

Syracuse, NY 13202

You may also donate securely online at www.cnycf.org/pulaski. Click on the “Donate Now” button in the right sidebar.

All contributors will be listed in a “Thank You” ad in the Salmon River News. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may indicate so when making your gift. Donations must be received by December 15 in order to qualify for the match.

About the Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund is a union of gifts contributed by the people of the Pulaski community that makes grants to support programs and projects of importance to the area. Since its inception in 1992, the Fund has provided more than $245,000 in grants to benefit the Pulaski community. Learn more about the fund and contribute at www.cnycf.org/Pulaski. The Pulaski Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

With more than 22 million American Veterans in the U.S. alone, our country has seen a great deal of dedicated service from our soldiers. As veterans of World War II grow older, the opportunities to pay them tribute are dwindling. The Honor Flight Network is doing what it can to ensure these veterans are reminded of our country’s gratitude by offering them a unique experience they may have never thought possible.

Honor Flight Syracuse, one of the 143 hubs of the national Honor Flight Network, works to help every willing and capable war veteran in the greater Syracuse area obtain a flight or bus trip to visit the National WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. The trips are completely free of charge and funded by donations and gifts. Since inception in May of 2012, the Syracuse hub has completed four missions, carrying a total of 215 veterans ranging in age from 86-96 years old.

“Due to the advancing age and fixed income of World War II veterans, many are unable to visit the memorial that was built and designed in their honor,” said President of Honor Flight Syracuse, Randall Flath. “We not only want to give them the chance to see the meaningful memorial, but to remind them that they’re service and sacrifices for our country are still appreciated every day.”

The organization runs its missions with the help of hundreds of volunteers who donate their time. The volunteers play crucial roles by aiding with flight departures and “welcome home” ceremonies, assembling backpacks and serving as personal guardians. During the missions, each veteran is accompanied by a volunteer guardian to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Flath was inspired to launch the Syracuse chapter of the organization after acting as a guardian for his father during his own mission in Rochester, NY.

“After traveling alongside my father, the happiness I saw the trip bring to those veterans was absolutely immeasurable,” said Flath. “I knew I wanted to help give more veterans the opportunity to have the same experience.”

Honor Flight received a Community Foundation grant to purchase health and safety equipment, transport chairs and handheld radios for use during the missions.

“The Community Foundation grant has been an amazing source of funding for us,” said Flath. “It costs us about $50,000 to carry out each mission with food and travel costs, and grants like this one will help us achieve our goal of flying 3 missions next year.”

When arriving back at the airport after each mission, the veterans are greeted with a warm welcome of bagpipers, friends and neighbors who gather there to mark the final leg of their journey with a show of gratitude.

Although for some a mission can be a solemn trip of difficult memories, they are able to experience it together with their comrades from their days of service, family members, and caring volunteers by their side. Families of veterans have reported that the tours have stirred memories that the veterans shared with their loved ones for the first time ever and ultimately brought family members closer together to record history for future generations.

All veterans are encouraged to apply for the program with top priority given to the most senior- heroes – veterans of World War II and any war veteran with a terminal illness. Additionally, Honor Flight has begun outreach to Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. In the future, veterans of other conflicts will be served on a chronological basis to ensure that one day all veterans are provided to the opportunity for one more “Honor Flight.”

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/american-veterans-revisit-wwii-memorial-on-honor-flight/feed/0Blog Feature- Honor Flightjmaloffcnycf10151247_658412144206081_2799335248599563003_n1378248_574880219225941_1929757635_n1240468_574878865892743_1313728461_nTLC Leaders Tour Area Community Gardenshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/28/tlc-leaders-tour-area-community-gardens/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/28/tlc-leaders-tour-area-community-gardens/#commentsTue, 28 Oct 2014 19:33:47 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1335]]>There is a special effort of community and care that goes into creating spaces within a city that provide residents with beautiful foliage and fresh fruit and vegetables. On Saturday September 27, The Leadership Classroom (TLC), an initiative of the Central New York Community Foundation, led recent graduates on a fun and informative bus tour to learn about what goes into creating and maintaining community gardens in the Syracuse area.

The five-garden tour was said to be energizing and engaging, harvesting the opportunity to bring together active community members from past TLC sessions. Each stop demonstrated the great impact community gardens can have on area residents, thanks to the hard work of volunteers.

“I was so inspired by the gardens and all of the individuals who are a part of them,” said Katie Scott of the Northside TNT. “Their love, joy, passion and commitment were contagious. I wish all of the residents of Onondaga County were there.”

Participants began their tour at the beautiful 34-acre Salt City Farm which boasts a collaboration between Syracuse Grows, Refugee Assistance Program, Assumption Church Food Pantry, the Hatcher family and several volunteers including the Urban Delights youth. Leaders from TLC were able to witness the opportunities that Salt City Farm offers to some of the 60 refugees enrolled as farmers this season. The opportunity to participate in growing their own produce and honing their farming skills has played an important role in the lives of resettled refugees in Syracuse. This farm allows refugees to participate in growing food that they can bring home at no cost. Recently, three volunteer farmers were hired by Owera Vineyards as trained agricultural employees.

The TLC class also visited Pebble Hill Church community garden, which is currently run by a neighbor and involves diverse gardeners who donate their excess produce to Jamesville Food Pantry. Another garden visited is led by Stone Soup on the Near Westside of Syracuse. The Stone Soup Garden is an urban organic garden and outdoor classroom focused on inspiring a connection to nature, oneself, and the community. This garden brings together students from Huntington, MANOS and Brady Faith Center in an outdoor classroom to promote garden-based experiential learning in a natural urban setting.

“It was a wonderful and inspiring day for me to make the bus trip and learn about what is going on in our greater Syracuse community,” said Praja Shapkota of the Bhutanese Community Association.

Participants left excited to add outdoor activities to their own work for the benefit of neighborhood residents. The TLC Advisory Committee, comprised mostly of TLC graduates, designed the event and hopes to visit more community gardens in the future.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/28/tlc-leaders-tour-area-community-gardens/feed/0TLC-Garden-Tour-FeaturecnycommunityfoundationTLC-Garden-Tour-InStoryPhoto-3TLC-Garden-Tour-InStoryPhoto-1TLC-Garden-Tour-InStoryPhoto-2TLC-Garden-Tour-InStoryPhoto-4Six Local Groups Selected for The Leadership Classroomhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/six-local-groups-selected-for-the-leadership-classroom/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/six-local-groups-selected-for-the-leadership-classroom/#commentsMon, 27 Oct 2014 14:30:41 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1330]]>October 27, 2014 – Twenty-nine representatives from six local community groups have been selected to begin an eight-month intensive training program through the Central New York Community Foundation. The Leadership Classroom (TLC), an initiative of the Community Foundation, conducts interactive training sessions with resident leaders to enhance the skills and leadership capacity of residents who are or want to be active in improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods or community. The following organizations are new members of the 2014-15 class:

The Historic Hawley-Green Task Force strives to improve and sustain the quality of life in the Historic Hawley-Green Neighborhood. It encourages home occupancy and promotes a sense of community through advocacy. They see the skill sets that they gain through TLC helping the organization enhance partnerships with other agencies in the community.

Karing Kitchen of Oneida Board is a soup kitchen that serves hot meals to residents of Oneida and neighboring areas who may otherwise not have access to food. Karing Kitchen leaders believe that food security is a means to achieving change, advocacy, and support for communities in need. The Kitchen also holds events throughout the year to raise awareness about homelessness. Karing Kitchen leaders look forward to gaining leadership skills from their involvement in TLC to enhance the organization’s mission.

LIGHT of Syracuse, INC. provides services to youth and elderly residents in distressed and lower income neighborhoods of Syracuse and surrounding communities. As a recently established nonprofit organization, the organization’s leaders seek to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to build organizational capacity.

North Side Learning Center, located in the North side neighborhood of Syracuse, provides English language instruction to refugees and immigrants. The Center strives to support community integration by providing academic support to the children of the refugees and immigrants while fostering leadership development. The Center’s leaders plan to utilize their TLC experience to further their goals for community integration.

PGR Foundation, which runs a mentoring program that provides mentoring services to young girls and connects their mentees with other services and opportunities in East Syracuse. They make these connections possible through networking opportunities with community businesses and skilled community leaders, and by fostering friendships between the mentees. PGR hopes to increase its knowledge of community resources and support services through its TLC participation.

Yeshua Restoration Ministries (YRM) supports the vitality of its community through community advocacy, youth development, support groups and a housing program. YRM works to understand the needs of its community so they may address them. They look forward to becoming more effective collaborators upon completion of TLC.

Upon completion of the training, each group will receive a $3,500 grant to implement a project proposed and planned during the year. Each project addresses a unique and specific need in the Greater Syracuse community. The Leadership Classroom initiative has trained more than 200 resident leaders since 1993.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/six-local-groups-selected-for-the-leadership-classroom/feed/0Blog- Feature- TLC 2014 ClassroomjmaloffcnycfGenerosity of Former Students Creates Large Scholarship in Phoenixhttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/14/generosity-of-former-students-creates-large-scholarship-in-phoenix/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/14/generosity-of-former-students-creates-large-scholarship-in-phoenix/#commentsTue, 14 Oct 2014 13:13:40 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1326]]>Nearly $1 million gift will fund the District’s largest private scholarship

October 14, 2014 – Phoenix Central School graduates will soon have a new opportunity to assist with college costs thanks to a large scholarship fund recently established by an alumna of the district. After the March 2014 passing of Roberta Hurd, a graduate of the Class of 1939, the Robert & Roberta Hurd Scholarship Fund was established with a bequest gift to the Central New York Community Foundation – totaling upwards of $1 million.

The fund will award a $40,000 scholarship to a graduating senior. The award will be paid at $10,000 per year over four years if the student remains enrolled in college and in good standing. This is the largest private scholarship ever awarded through the Phoenix Central School District, located in a primarily rural Oswego County community 15 miles north west of Syracuse.

When Roberta established the fund at the Community Foundation, she requested that news of the scholarship remain confidential until after her death. The Community Foundation recently informed district officials of the gift, who were surprised and thrilled when informed of the new opportunity for their students.

“This generous gift is incredibly meaningful for our students who face financial barriers to college, and validating to us as a community because it came from former students,” said Judy Belfield, Superintendent of Phoenix Central School District. “Though Robert and Roberta graduated more than 70 years ago, their love of Phoenix and appreciation of their education journey left an impression that motivated them to give back in a big way.”

What may be most remarkable about this story is that Roberta and Robert led fairly modest lives. Robert worked as a tool and die maker and Roberta worked her entire life as an accountant first for American Woolen Mills in Fulton and then General Electric. They were a very devoted couple who were rich in love for one another. They remembered fondly their days in the Phoenix schools where they met during the 1930s.

Roberta was an excellent student and involved in many extra-curricular activities, including archery. Robert, one class year ahead of her, played many sports and was also a good student. They were always together, enjoying life’s adventures on camping and ski trips. They never had children, but both believed strongly in the importance of a good education, thankful for how well their Phoenix school experience set them up to succeed.

Robert died during Thanksgiving weekend in 1992, three months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. Roberta went on to live another 20 years after his death, keeping her mind fresh by dabbling in the stock market and doing her own taxes each year by hand. But she always terribly missed the man she said was her true soul mate.

”In my last correspondence with Roberta shortly before her death, I made sure to emphasize the transformative nature of her gift for the students in Phoenix,” said Jennifer Owens, a vice president at the Community Foundation. “She was a remarkable woman who never got over the loss of her best friend, Robert.”

Roberta began her relationship with the Community Foundation in 1993, when she reached out to establish a scholarship fund in her husband’s memory. In addition to naming the fund as a beneficiary of her estate, she also took steps to increase the amount of her gift by other means. She transferred the ownership of a $500,000 life insurance policy in her name to the Community Foundation and established a Charitable Remainder Trust, which will help the fund grow larger at a later date.

The Community Foundation will focus on the investment and administration of the fund so that the school’s scholarship selection committee can focus on selecting the scholarship recipients. Enhanced by the Community Foundation’s endowment investment and spending policy, the fund is expected to increase its award amounts over time.

”The power of endowment takes the generosity of amazing people like the Hurds and ensures that their charitable wishes persevere through generations,” said Peter Dunn, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “The Hurds had an interest in giving back to the community they loved and they put a plan in place to make it happen. We’re honored to be the stewards of their community legacy.”

Roberta requested that the scholarship be awarded to a student who falls within the top 15% scholastic rating of his or her class. On average Phoenix graduates 150 seniors a year, so approximately 22 students will be eligible for each year’s single award. In addition to scholastic achievement, Roberta established that the recipient student should demonstrate some level of financial need and exemplify moral values reflected by personal action and respect for family members, fellow students, teachers and the community.

“The Phoenix Central School District is a leader among local districts in student engagement with community volunteerism.” said Belfield. “We have students who log more than 500 donated hours during their high school careers. This award will allow us to honor some of those selfless students.”

Roberta’s love for her husband and their alma mater not only motivated her gift, but will live on in the lives of many children who will benefit from it.

“This gift will have an immeasurable positive impact on the lives of many children who might otherwise not have been able to pursue their dreams,” said Owens. “While the student beneficiaries of their thoughtfulness will not know them, they will surely appreciate their generosity and unselfish desire to invest in their futures.”

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/14/generosity-of-former-students-creates-large-scholarship-in-phoenix/feed/0Blog Feature Hurd StorycnycommunityfoundationDitch the Gym this Fall and Head to the Camillus Exercise Trail for Fresh Air and an Outdoor Workout Alternativehttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/ditch-the-gym-this-fall-and-head-to-the-camillus-exercise-trail-for-fresh-air-and-an-outdoor-workout-alternative/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/ditch-the-gym-this-fall-and-head-to-the-camillus-exercise-trail-for-fresh-air-and-an-outdoor-workout-alternative/#commentsThu, 09 Oct 2014 17:45:25 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1313]]>Camillus, NY – As fall begins, visitors of the Erie Canal Park in Camillus can enjoy the Clyde Ohl Exercise Trail with the complement of beautiful fall foliage. This latest addition to the Park is a nature hiking trail comprised of interactive exercise stations over the course of a mile.

The exercise trail was opened last July by the Camillus Canal Society (CCS) to increase fitness options for recreational users of the park. Funding from the Central New York Community Foundation helped CCS purchase lumber, apparatus equipment and other landscaping materials to create the exercise stations.

“Through discussions among the volunteer staff and the input received from a random selection of our Park patrons, the addition of an exercise trail was an overwhelming favorite,” said Clyde Ohl, Project Director and member of the Erie Canal Park’s board of directors. “The combination of an active exercise recreational program with a natural setting has culminated in an increase in the number of park visitors.”

The fitness trail combines strength exercises with walking or jogging to provide a well-balanced physical fitness routine for the entire body. Visitors of the one-mile trail can find ten separate sites, each with two exercises. Each station offers a variety of exercises including sit-ups, pull-ups, balancing, bar swings, and waist stretches giving participants the chance to work on different muscle areas of their body.

The Erie Canal Park runs along the Erie Canal and spreads 400 acres, offering 15 miles of walking and bicycle trails. The park draws an annual total of 200,000 patron visits throughout the year, with primary usage occurring during the period from April through November. Camillus residents of all ages have embraced the addition of the new trail.

“Visitors of the trail have been unanimous in their praise for the project,” said Clyde Ohl. “We’re thrilled to see the trail being enjoyed by our community, which could not have been possible without the wonderful support we received from the Community Foundation grant.”

We are excited to announce that the Philanthropy Center is the proud owner of two new bike racks, custom designed for us by the Rack Pack of 40 Below’s Public Arts Task Force. The racks were designed by artists Brendan Rose and Michael Giannattasio to reflect our Smart Giving leaves, and were fabricated by the design collective Echo. We hope that visitors to our building utilize these racks as they explore healthy and sustainable transportation options within the City of Syracuse.

The mission of the 40 Below Public Arts Task Force (PATF) is to cultivate a culture of public art in Syracuse. The PATF provides a medium for community members, artists and art enthusiasts to create public projects, beautify Syracuse and promote vibrant, desirable communities and partners with artists and organizations to provide the tools and resources needed to bring creative projects and events to life.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/new-cny-philanthropy-center-bike-racks-installed/feed/1Bike RackscnycommunityfoundationsmallerIMG_2974Grants Awarded to Measure Nonprofit Performancehttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/grants-awarded-to-measure-nonprofit-performance/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/grants-awarded-to-measure-nonprofit-performance/#commentsMon, 06 Oct 2014 13:39:36 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1309]]>October 6, 2014 – How can you move a community forward without knowing where you are and where you want to go? Measuring the effectiveness of a nonprofit organization’s programming can profoundly advance its mission by identifying what works and what doesn’t. More and more, these organizations are feeling immense pressure from government, grantmakers and their external audiences to demonstrate their impact with hard numbers.

Performance management is becoming a must-have skill for organizations seeking program support, yet a survey conducted by the Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit strategist, reports that social sector leaders repeatedly identify performance measurement as one of the most challenging aspects of their work. Despite the importance of this function fewer than one in four report that they adequately resource, staff, and prioritize this work.

To address this issue on the local level, the Central New York Community Foundation piloted its Performance Management program in 2011. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations in Onondaga or Madison County to cover the costs of implementing data measurement tools, training and software. With the addition of this year’s new recipients, nearly $600,000 in grants have been awarded towards this effort to date.

In conjunction with receiving grant dollars, each Performance Management grant recipient is invited to participate in a year-long ‘learning community’ to share experiences and challenges with their peers. Two representatives from each organization meet monthly in a computer lab to learn and discuss skills that will help them prepare, collect, analyze and report on their data.

“The Learning Community structure allows us to see these projects unfold, develop and evolve as they are carried out,” said Frank Ridzi, Director of Research and Community Initiatives at the Community Foundation. “This gives us the opportunity to be a part of the process and serve as a guide, resource and catalyst along the way.”

The following organizations were recently awarded funding and invited to join the 2014-2015 Performance Management Learning Community to measure their community impact:

Baltimore Woods Nature Center received $19,990 to measure the effectiveness of its Nature in the City program in improving the academic performance of Syracuse City School District students.

Child Care Solutions received $20,000 to examine the impact of its technical assistance programs provided to child care centers in the field of literacy programming.

Children’s Consortium received $20,000 to identify the improvements in parenting skills acquired by participants of its Nurturing Parenting program.

Huntington Family Centers received $20,000 to determine whether its intervention programs affect school attendance, behavioral referrals and overall academic performance.

InterFaith Works received $20,000 to digitize and analyze survey responses from program participants at its Ahmad and Elizabeth E-Hindi Center for Dialogue.

Greater Syracuse Works received $20,000 to establish a community-wide system for tracking employment-related outcomes and identifying client overlap between partner organizations.

Southwest Community Center received $8,250 to evaluate the impact its after-school programming is having on children’s math scores.

St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center received $16,310 to analyze the value of its outpatient, post-hospital visit rehabilitation services offered through the Diagnostic and Treatment Center.

On Point for College received $20,000 to examine how career action plans influence employment opportunities for student participants of its On Point for Jobs program.

United Way of CNY received $17,090 to measure the community outcomes achieved as a result of its funding and programs.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org

Pathfinder Bank is the oldest financial institution in Oswego County and prides itself on its commitment to customer service and community involvement.

“Pathfinder Bank is very supportive of the initiative to establish a Community Foundation within Oswego County to promote philanthropy,” said Pathfinder Bank President & CEO, Thomas Schneider. “Our goal is to help get this project moving forward, along with other important organizations in this community.”

The Oswego County Community Foundation, a geographically specific endowment, provides a source of permanent charitable dollars for nonprofits serving residents of Oswego County. Once the initial fundraising goal of $500,000 is met, the Foundation will award grants to local nonprofit organizations with programs ranging broadly from arts and culture, environment and animal welfare, education, human services, health and civic affairs.

“We’re so grateful and honored that Pathfinder Bank has donated $25,000 to our fund,” said Nancy Bellow, Foundation Council Chair. “With their assistance, we are that much closer to our endowment goal.”

The foundation has received “matching-challenge” grants from the Central New York Community Foundation and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. Every dollar contributed to the Oswego Community Foundation will be matched up to $200,000.

To learn more about the Oswego County Community Foundation, including how to make a contribution, visit www.OswegoCountyCF.org. The Oswego County Community Foundation is a component of the Central New York Community Foundation, www.cnycf.org.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

September 30, 2014 – According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 10.9 percent of last year’s college graduates were unemployed after graduation, and many more entered the workforce at or below minimum wage. First-generation college students are affected at a higher rate than other graduates because they often lack the soft skills and professional connections that can lead to career employment opportunities.

Two local nonprofit organizations are addressing this problem head-on by making career development and professional mentorship opportunities available to Central New York high school students and graduates, many of whom are first-generation college students. On Point for College’s Mentoring/Empowerment Networking program and the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County’s Youth and Careers program will be expanding efforts with the help of grants from the Central New York Community Foundation.

On Point for College, a college access and retention program that helps low-income, inner-city youth from Syracuse to enroll in and succeed at college, is expanding On Point for Jobs with the Mentoring/Empowerment Networking program. It aims to improve the chances of career success by providing transportation, proper interview attire, professional connections and training materials. A $23,984 grant from the Community Foundation will support opportunities including resume advisement, career interest assessments and workshops, interviewing skills and mentorships with career professionals.

“This expanded scope of On Point for Jobs supports our vision for college students to complete a college degree and start a meaningful career so that they can lift themselves out of poverty and contribute to the workforce and their community,” said Virginia Donohue, On Point Executive Director.

A program of the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County addresses similar barriers faced by Hispanic students. In the City of Syracuse, Hispanics have the second highest unemployment rate at 8 percent. Nationally, 22.6 percent of Hispanics live in poverty, according to the 2010 Census.

Spanish Action League’s new Youth and Careers program aims to break down employment barriers faced by Hispanic youth by introducing them to potential professions and promoting the benefits of stable employment. The Community Foundation awarded Spanish Action League a $33,000 grant to administer the program.

Through this program, children will be encouraged to explore careers that appeal to them, hear from Hispanic professionals they can relate to, and assist with the building of an “ideal community” reflecting lessons learned. Case management consultants will help family members assess their own education and employment needs within the household.

“This program takes youth on a journey from idea exploration, to educational and professional expectations, to actually being a part of the ideal community they envisioned at the beginning of the year,” said Rita Paniagua, Spanish Action League Executive Director. “Combining resources between our Youth and Employment/Careers programs will allow us to help students and family members to reach their potential.”

Additional Grants Awarded

The Community Foundation also awarded grants to programs in the fields of arts & culture, education, environment, human services and civic affairs:

ARISE at the Farm received $20,000 to build an inclusive playground at its location in Chittenango that is fully accessible by children with disabilities.

Food Bank of CNY received $30,000 to purchase a transport vehicle that will provide the organization with the capacity to accept all donated food items available from retailers.

Loretto Health & Rehabilitation Center received $16,620 to transform the lobby area of the Cunningham-Fahey Skilled Nursing Facility into a welcome space for residents and families to gather, visit and participate in activities.

Point of Contact received $10,000 to upgrade its audio/visual system to better exhibit contemporary arts projects from around the world.

Somali Bantu Community Association received $9,587 to open a computer lab to train and assist refugee students and adults, as well as area residents, in achieving their educational and employment goals.

Syracuse Shakespeare Festival received $3,100 to produce No Bully Shakespeare program to help elementary and middle school students recognize and overcome bullying situations.

Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency received $30,000 to conduct public dialogue and develop conceptual designs for the redesign of the New City Park in Downtown Syracuse.

Town of Salina received $7,000 to rehabilitate deteriorated baseball fields at Wemsfelder Park in collaboration with the Liverpool Girl’s Softball League.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges. cnycf.org

Would you rather see the print edition? View our e-book here or contact us to request that a hard copy be mailed to you.

We want to know what you think! Contact us with any comments or questions about the Community Foundation or our Annual Report.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/2014-annual-report-released/feed/02014 annual reportcnycommunityfoundationGreater Pulaski Community Fund Annual Fundraising Campaign Beginshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/09/19/greater-pulaski-community-fund-annual-fundraising-campaign-begins-4/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/09/19/greater-pulaski-community-fund-annual-fundraising-campaign-begins-4/#commentsFri, 19 Sep 2014 14:20:16 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1285]]>September 19, 2014 (Pulaski, NY) – The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund will launch its annual fundraising campaign this fall with a goal of reaching and surpassing $15,000 in donations to be matched by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. The Trust pledged to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $15,000, of contributions received on or before December 15, 2014. This yields a potential for $30,000 of growth in a permanent endowment that solely supports local projects.

Last year, individual contributions to the fund totaled $13,015. This year’s fall fundraising campaign seeks to meet the full $15,000 challenge to continue growth of the fund and compound charitable dollars available to the community.

The Pulaski Fund supports town improvement programs and projects operated by nonprofit organizations in the Village of Pulaski and the Town of Richland. Projects such as the Pulaski Bear Team for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Salmon River Festival, and the Pulaski Congregational Church’s Rhea LaVeck Memorial Concert Series were all supported by grants from the Fund. Since its inception, the Fund has supported arts & culture, community development, education, environment, health, and human services programming in the Pulaski region with more than $240,000 in grants.

To support the Fund’s growth and help the committee reach its matching grant goal, tax-deductible contributions can be sent to Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund, c/o Central New York Community Foundation, 431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13202 or you may donate securely online at www.cnycf.org/pulaski. Click on the “Donate Now” button in the right sidebar. All contributors will be listed in a “Thank You” ad in the Salmon River News and the Palladium Times. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may indicate so when making your gift.

About the Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund is a union of gifts contributed by the people of the Pulaski community that makes grants to support programs and projects of importance to the area. Since its inception in 1992, the Fund has provided more than $240,000 in grants to benefit the Pulaski community. People can learn more about the fund and contribute at www.cnycf.org/Pulaski. The Pulaski Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/09/19/greater-pulaski-community-fund-annual-fundraising-campaign-begins-4/feed/0Pulaski Fund logo_Revised_8_5_14jmaloffcnycfGRAND OPENING CELEBRATION FOR FIRST MILE OF ONEIDA RAIL TRAIL: A CNY85 GRANT WINNING PROJECThttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/grand-opening-celebration-for-first-mile-of-cny85-grant-winning-project-oneida-rail-trail/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/grand-opening-celebration-for-first-mile-of-cny85-grant-winning-project-oneida-rail-trail/#commentsThu, 11 Sep 2014 15:35:35 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1271]]>It’s not every day that an entire community unites to support one cause. So when the residents and business owners of the City of Oneida rallied behind the Oneida Improvement Committee (OIC) during the Central New York Community Foundation’s CNY85 online voting competition, in support of a new recreational “rail trail” system, it made quite the impact.

In celebration of its 85-year anniversary, the Central New York Community Foundation hosted The CNY85 Giving Project to recognize the many impactful projects of the Central New York nonprofit community. Over the course of 2012, the project awarded grants to four deserving nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of life in Central New York as demonstrated by our collaborative community indicators project, CNYVitals.

Members of the Oneida community joined forces to support the OIC which successfully garnered the most public votes in the CNY85 Giving Project’s final round of organizations within the categories of arts, culture, recreation and civic engagement. They received an $8,500 grant to begin their intended project.

With the assistance of the CNYCF grant, the committee’s hope of repurposing existing historic asset rail beds, as a new community destination that will eventually circle the City, has become a reality. The grant enabled the OIC to recruit volunteers, design signage and work with local government, utility companies and homeowners to bring the trails to fruition.

“The CNY85 grant has catapulted the Oneida Rail Trail project into the spotlight, not only locally but regionally and statewide,” said Patti Meankin, Secretary/Treasurer of the Oneida Improvement Committee. “The Oneida Rail Trail will make our community a better place to live by strengthening our local economy, protecting our environment and preserving valuable cultural and historic areas.”

The 11.3-mile non-motorized, multi-use recreational trail located in the City of Oneida will benefit all who utilize its paths by connecting shopping, neighborhoods, schools and parks. The OIC predicts that the new trail system will generate economic development, enhance the community’s quality of life and good health, improve the local environment, develop civic engagement, and preserve the area’s heritage.

Hundreds of volunteers and committee members have been working tirelessly all year long to get the first 1-mile section of the trail completed for fall.

“We are thrilled to have this first section opening and for the community to come out and use it,” says City of Oneida Mayor Max Smith. “This is just the beginning, we believe the Oneida Rail Trail is going to be much more than a trail but a catalyst for new opportunities in Oneida.”

On September 8, at 6:00 p.m. a ribbon-cutting celebration will take place at the new trailhead along Hubbard Place. Attendees will be welcomed with opening remarks by Mayor Max Smith and a guided walking tour by local rail historian John Taibi. The Oneida Improvement Committee will also be holding a clean-up event on Saturday, September 6th from 9:00 a.m. to noon to get the section ready for opening. During the clean-up event, volunteers can help install gates at both ends of the trail, trail markers, and the trailhead sign.

“One of the unique features of the Oneida Rail Trail is that unlike a typical rail trail, which is usually just an out-and-back, Oneida has the opportunity to use three bisecting rail beds to create a loop around the City,” said Luke Griff, City of Oneida Parks and Recreation Department. “The trail has been an envisioned City project for years and many sections are already being used. We just have to stitch the pieces together.”

The 1 mile section stretches from Hubbard Place along a former rail bed east to Lenox Avenue with parking along Hubbard Place. Eventually, the trail will cross Lenox Avenue and continue east, but for now it is an out-and-back. The trail will be open for hiking and biking as well as cross-country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter. Leashed pets are also welcome on the trail.

September 4, 2014 – This week we are excited to welcome our two new John Ben Snow Fellows from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. They will be lending their expertise to a variety of Grants and Initiatives programs this year, including The Leadership Classroom (TLC), CNY Vitals Community Indicators, Performance Management Learning Community, NEWS Workshops and literacy coalition support.

Caroline Boone is from Reynoldsburg, Ohio and has experience working with foundations including the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio (sponsored by the Columbus Foundation). Caroline is interested in pursuing a career in the community foundation field.

Narcisa Ledesma is from New York City and most recently worked at Children of Promise, a nonprofit in Brooklyn. After she graduates, Narcisa sees herself continuing to work with nonprofits that offer after-school services to inner city youth.

The training starts September 23, 2014 and consists of eight consecutive 2 hour sessions on Tuesdays from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The cost is $50 per person which includes dinner and materials (scholarships are available). At graduation participants will receive a Board Certification certificate for participating and completing the course. Further information and registration materials may be acquired through contacting Sheena Solomon at 474-2489 ext. 16 or sheena@giffordfoundation.org.

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The workshops will provide an overview of how board members add value, how to make the connection between your passion and area nonprofits, what does it mean to be a nonprofit and more. The expected participants include:

Those who have the desire to give back to the community and strive for fair, just and healthy communities.

Those who are interested in her/his personal leadership development and growth.

Those who have a desire to join a nonprofit board or are new to board service.

Those who believe that diversity and inclusiveness is important.

Those who are interested in expanding their network.

“The Gifford Foundation has long examined the fact that diversity has many different meanings for many different nonprofits,” notes executive director Dirk Sonneborn. “We convened a group of local foundations and associations to discuss how to grow a more aware, diverse pool of potential board members. The Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders initiative has been developed out of these conversations and represents a true collaboration.”

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/29/partnership-offers-leadership-training-for-future-nonprofit-board-members/feed/0Gifford Foundation Logojmaloffcnycf2014 CNYCF Infographichttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/26/2014-cnycf-infographic/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/26/2014-cnycf-infographic/#commentsTue, 26 Aug 2014 16:59:33 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1252]]>The Central New York Community Foundation ended its 2014 Fiscal Year on a high note – reaching an all-time asset high and granting more than $9.5 million to nonprofit organizations this year alone. Check out our infographic below to see our year-end results in graphic form and then contact us to learn more about the Community Foundation.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/26/2014-cnycf-infographic/feed/0Blog-Feature-Image-Templatejmaloffcnycf2014 A3- JPEGAmaus Health Services Opens Dental Clinic with Help from Granthttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/amaus-health-services-opens-dental-clinic-with-help-from-grant/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/amaus-health-services-opens-dental-clinic-with-help-from-grant/#commentsMon, 25 Aug 2014 19:21:22 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1237]]>While providing primary medical care to the medically underserved, the staff at Amaus Health Services Clinic, located at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, discovered that patients often neglected their teeth for years. Limited access to local dental care services for the uninsured was causing this lack in oral maintenance.

“Since the inception of Amaus Health Services in 2007, our providers and staff have cared for many patients with dental disease,” said Dr. Lynn-Beth Satterly, a practicing doctor and supporter of the Clinic. “The patients continually told us they had nowhere but the Emergency Room to go to for dental issues.”

Although there are several local clinics that cater to the uninsured, their wait times can average six months or more. This limited access causes many patients to simply ignore the issues they are experiencing until they affect their ability to work, or the pain is so severe that they can no longer tolerate the problem.

This summer, Amaus Health Services introduced dental services to offer a place for the uninsured to access stable and continual dental care. Services include routine teeth cleanings, oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, education on self-care, supplies for dental hygiene, and also extractions when necessary for adults, teens and children. A Community Foundation grant helped the clinic purchase necessary dental tools, equipment, and a dental chair.

“The Community Foundation grant was a main source of funding for getting the clinic up and running,” said Lynn-Beth Satterly. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer our patients dental care, in addition to our established medical services.”

The dental clinic is run by a diverse volunteer staff, including a medical director, nurses, patient educators, social workers, and administrative staff. The staff works hard every day with the hope that the clinic will decrease incidents of dental disease, pneumonia, abscesses, endocarditis, poor blood sugar control, pain, missed days at work, and prolonged antibiotic use, which often go hand in hand with dental neglect.

“We’re really looking forward to addressing one of the greatest unmet needs in Syracuse- dental care for the uninsured,” said Dr. Dasher, a volunteer dentist working at the Clinic.

The clinic sees patients every other Wednesday from 10pm-3pm, every Saturday from 10am-2pm and on Thursday evenings once a month between 5:30pm-8:30pm. Starting in January the clinic plans to introduce two more days of operation. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins for emergency problems are welcomed.

]]>https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/amaus-health-services-opens-dental-clinic-with-help-from-grant/feed/0Amaus-featurejmaloffcnycfAmausphoto 4Women’s Fund Accepting Grant Applications for Projects that Support Women and Girlshttps://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/womens-fund-accepting-grant-applications-for-projects-that-support-women-and-girls/
https://cnycf.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/womens-fund-accepting-grant-applications-for-projects-that-support-women-and-girls/#commentsMon, 25 Aug 2014 13:30:03 +0000http://cnycf.wordpress.com/?p=1234]]>August 25, 2014- The Women’s Fund of Central New York is now accepting applications from 501 (c)(3) or other publicly supported organizations interested in applying for a grant. Organizations or projects that will have a positive impact on an issue or opportunity facing women and girls will be considered.

A total of $26,000 will be awarded this year. Requests may range from $500 to $10,000. Grants awarded must directly support women and/or girls in Onondaga, Cayuga and/or Madison counties in Central New York. Grants will be announced in April 2015.

Applications must be received electronically, by November 15, 2014. Visit womensfundofcny.org/grantmaking to learn more about the Women’s Fund application and guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Lane at 315-883-5546 or JLane@cnycf.org.

The Women’s Fund of Central New York is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation. The fund supports, empowers and recognizes the advancement and full participation of women and girls in Central New York through an endowment fund, grants and initiatives. Since its inception in 1998, the Women’s Fund has awarded 105 grants totaling more than $200,000, and has grown its endowment to more than $1 million. For more information or to make a donation visit: www.womensfundofcny.org.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing challenges.